The Trump administration has taken a significant step by pulling $400 million in federal funding from Columbia University over its handling of alleged antisemitic harassment. At the same time, the Department of Education has launched investigations into several other major universities, including UC Berkeley and Stanford, for similar concerns. This marks a significant escalation in the administration’s efforts to address antisemitic incidents on college campuses.
The investigations come after widespread reports of harassment directed at Jewish students, with the Trump administration accusing these institutions of failing to take appropriate action. UC Berkeley, Stanford, and dozens of other universities across the United States are now under scrutiny, with the Department of Education signaling that federal funding could be at risk if these schools don’t take stronger measures to combat antisemitism.
Columbia’s funding cut and federal investigations
As reported by Axios, Columbia University became the first target of the Trump administration’s actions, with $400 million in federal grants and contracts being withheld due to its “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.” The move highlights the administration’s stance on the importance of protecting Jewish students on US college campuses. Linda McMahon, the Secretary of Education, emphasized the administration’s position in a statement, saying, “US colleges and universities benefit from enormous public investments funded by US taxpayers. That support is a privilege and it is contingent on scrupulous adherence to federal antidiscrimination laws.”
In addition to Columbia, the Trump administration has initiated direct investigations into five other universities, including UC Berkeley, Stanford, and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. These investigations come in response to complaints about antisemitic harassment, particularly following pro-Palestinian protests on several campuses. The Department of Education is examining whether these institutions have allowed such a “hostile environment” to persist.
Impact on universities and federal funding
The ongoing investigations have caused significant concern among university administrators. Institutions are now bracing for potential impacts on funding and campus life, including potential layoffs, hiring freezes, and cuts to research and graduate admissions. According to Axios, UC Berkeley and Stanford have both pledged to address the issue, with UC spokesperson Rachel Zaentz saying the system remains “unwavering in its commitment to combating antisemitism.” Stanford’s spokesperson, Dee Mostofi, similarly emphasized the university’s dedication to protecting free speech and preventing illegal harassment.
Political tensions and accusations of intimidation
As tensions rise, critics, including California State Senator Scott Wiener, have accused the Trump administration of using these investigations as a political tool to push universities to align with the administration’s conservative views. In a statement, Wiener argued that the administration “does not care about Jewish students or faculty” and is instead using the issue to target “MAGA views on education, research, disease promotion, diversity, student protest, and so forth,” as quoted by Axios.
The investigations are expected to intensify in the coming months, with more universities possibly facing consequences if they do not take stronger actions against antisemitic harassment.
