President Donald Trump has secured a $221 million settlement with Columbia University to resolve multiple federal civil rights investigations following allegations of discriminatory practices and antisemitic employment discrimination against Jewish faculty following the Hamas attacks in Israel. According to the White House, this marks the largest antisemitism-related settlement in U.S. history, although Columbia University has not acknowledged this characterization. The settlement includes $200 million over three years for alleged discriminatory practices and $21 million to address claims of antisemitic employment discrimination.
The White House stated that the agreement would restore billions in federal research funding and impose oversight through an independent monitor. Columbia University has agreed to implement reforms, such as enhanced campus protest rules and changes in disciplinary authority from faculty to administrators. Notably, the university did not acknowledge the White House’s claims about reviewing international student admissions or Middle East programs or sharing admissions process data.
Acting President Claire Shipman emphasized that the settlement safeguards academic independence and allows essential research to resume. She also noted that Columbia admitted no wrongdoing but acknowledged the need for reform after