The U.S. government has pulled $400 million in funding from Columbia University, saying the school hasn’t done enough to protect Jewish students from harassment. This decision, announced on March 7 by the General Services Administration (GSA), comes amid growing controversy over campus protests related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The canceled funds are part of a larger $5 billion in grants committed to Columbia. In a joint statement, the GSA, along with the Department of Justice, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services, accused the university of failing to address ongoing issues of anti-Semitism on campus.
Columbia University has been a flashpoint for protests, with students calling for an end to U.S. support for Israel due to the civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. These demonstrations have sparked heated debates and allegations of both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia.
In response to criticism, Columbia has previously stated that it has taken steps to combat anti-Semitism. But the federal government clearly feels those efforts have fallen short.
“Canceling these taxpayer funds is our strongest signal yet that the federal government will not support an institution that fails to protect its Jewish students and staff,” said Leo Terrell, head of the Justice Department’s anti-Semitism task force.
This funding cut represents a significant blow to Columbia’s resources and underscores the escalating tensions around free speech, safety, and support for different communities on college campuses.
