Columbia University will pay $221 million to settle claims by the Trump administration alleging the university failed to adequately address anti-Semitism on campus. The settlement, announced on Wednesday, unfreezes the “vast majority” of $400 million in federal grants previously withheld. Columbia will also regain access to billions of dollars in current and future grants. The agreement includes reforms to address harassment, including increased public safety personnel, disciplinary process changes, and efforts to foster an inclusive environment. The university also commits to maintaining merit-based admissions and ending programs promoting race-based outcomes.

Columbia's acting president, Claire Shipman, stated the university did not admit to violating civil rights law but acknowledged serious challenges related to anti-Semitism. The settlement includes a $200 million payment to the federal government over three years and an additional $21 million to settle claims by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Former President Trump lauded the settlement as “historic” on his Truth Social platform, hinting at similar actions against other universities. Student activist group Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) criticized the settlement, calling it a "bribe."

The settlement follows campus protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with accusations of anti-Semitism leveled against some demonstrators. CUAD also reported that nearly 80 students faced expulsion or suspension for participating in these protests.

Impact Statement: This settlement sets a significant precedent for the federal government's oversight of universities and their handling of anti-Semitism allegations, potentially influencing future campus policies and federal funding decisions.