Columbia University professors have sent a letter to the university’s acting president and board of trustees, urging leadership to consider reforms to combat antisemitism on campus as the White House approaches a deal to restore funding to the school. The letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, outlines multiple action items the Ivy League school could implement in a deal with the Trump administration to address the rise in antisemitic activity on campus since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. In March, the Trump administration revoked over $400 million in federal grants to the university due to concerns about violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
The faculty members who signed the letter requested anonymity. The letter states, “We are invested members of Columbia’s community seeking to restore the university’s moral clarity and institutional resilience. We are calling for leadership not just in academic endeavors, but in equity, safety, and accountability.” Among the key components of what the dozens of signees are seeking include accountability for professors pushing antisemitic narratives, reinstating faculty members who received reprimands for being outspoken supporters of Israel, reprimanding those involved in destructive rioting and protesting, and eliminating curriculum promoting antisemitism.
Ari Shrage, co-founder of the Columbia Jewish Alumni Association, told Fox News Digital, “The Trump administration must address antisemitic classroom indoctrination and lack of viewpoint diversity, impose real accountability for student and faculty antisemitic conduct violators, reform admissions and hiring, and make necessary leadership changes.” Additionally, the Trump administration is reportedly considering incorporating these reforms into a potential funding deal to combat antisemitism at the institution. Fox News Digital spoke to an official directly involved in negotiations with Columbia, who said that requests similar to what the professors and faculty called for in the letter could potentially be included in the agreement.
Such proposals include updated policies on face masks for protesters, reviewing Middle Eastern studies curriculum, and ensuring students are treated equally in an environment that instills American values. The White House also confirmed it will examine racial hierarchy and an oppressive mentality toward certain religious or racial groups. A deal may include changes to hiring and admissions practices that allegedly target these groups unfairly, increased transparency for foreign gifts, and disclosure requirements. The Trump administration is optimistic a deal will be reached in the near future. However, the university remains engaged in productive discussions with the federal government to address these concerns and work toward a resolution.
Columbia has already taken several steps to address antisemitism on campus since negotiations began, including an announcement from acting President Claire Shipman outlining initiatives to combat antisemitism. Shipman explained in the community letter, “In my view, any government agreement we reach is only a starting point for change. Committing to reform on our own is a more powerful path. It will better enable us to recognize our shortcomings and create lasting change.” While the exact timeline for an agreement remains unclear, both the university and the White House confirmed to Fox News Digital that negotiations are productive and progress is being made.