Columbia University has reached an agreement to pay over $220 million to the federal government, including a $200 million settlement and $21 million for civil rights violations against Jewish employees. This comes after threats of losing significant government support due to the university's alleged failure to address antisemitism on campus amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The agreement requires reforms in the student disciplinary process and utilizes a federally endorsed definition of antisemitism while maintaining the university's autonomy. Education Secretary Linda McMahon called the deal a significant shift toward accountability for institutions.
This agreement marks an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty. It allows Columbia to preserve its autonomy while implementing needed reforms.
The deal includes a $200 million settlement and $21 million to resolve civil rights violations against Jewish employees following the October 7 Hamas attack, demonstrating a commitment to address antisemitism on campus.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon referred to the agreement as a seismic shift, emphasizing the accountability of institutions that accept taxpayer dollars for combating antisemitic discrimination and harassment.
Columbia has agreed to demands including overhauling its student disciplinary process and applying a federally endorsed definition of antisemitism, providing a roadmap for other elite universities.
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