Columbia University has agreed to reform its Middle East studies department and amend rules regarding protests, driven by an ultimatum from the Trump administration to avoid losing federal funding. The reforms include a new definition of antisemitism and expansions in staffing for its Israel and Jewish Studies Institute. Faculty and free speech advocates condemned the decision as a threat to academic freedom. Students will face restrictions on anonymous protests, including a ban on face masks on campus, as part of the reforms to better align with the administration's demands.
"Columbia's capitulation endangers academic freedom and campus expression nationwide," said Donna Lieberman, underscoring concerns over the university's acquiescence to the Trump administration's demands.
"The university will implement nearly all of them," Armstrong stated, detailing the sweeping reforms including hiring new public safety personnel and barring protests in academic buildings.
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