Columbia University has agreed to pay a $200 million fine and make sweeping policy changes to resolve a Trump administration investigation into alleged violations of federal anti-discrimination laws, the school announced Wednesday. The agreement will restore hundreds of millions in previously withheld federal funding.
In March, the administration suspended approximately $400 million in grants and contracts, citing Columbia’s alleged failure to prevent harassment of Jewish students. Under the new terms, the university will also pay $21 million to settle Equal Employment Opportunity Commission investigations.
President Donald Trump praised the outcome, saying Columbia has committed to “admitting students based ONLY on MERIT” and eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs that “distribute benefits and advantages based on race.”
Columbia’s acting president Claire Shipman noted in a community message that the university did not admit wrongdoing but acknowledged serious challenges related to antisemitism. She said many corrective measures had already been implemented, including appointing a liaison to the Jewish community.
The deal follows sanctions against dozens of students involved in last year’s pro-Palestinian protests, including suspensions and expulsions.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the agreement a “seismic shift” in enforcing accountability for taxpayer-funded institutions.
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