US Education Secretary Linda McMahon has confirmed that Columbia University is making significant strides toward restoring its federal funding. Speaking on CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, McMahon described productive discussions with Columbia’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong, highlighting the institution’s commitment to addressing concerns raised by the Trump administration.
University commits to major policy changes
Armstrong recently announced a sweeping set of reforms, including placing the university’s Middle East studies department under new supervision and revising its policies on protests and student discipline. Additionally, Columbia has agreed to adopt a new definition of antisemitism and expand its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies. These changes were outlined in a statement posted on the university’s website.
Federal funds frozen over handling of protests
Earlier this month, the Trump administration froze $400 million in federal research grants and funding, citing concerns over Columbia’s response to campus protests against Israel’s military actions in Gaza. The administration imposed nine mandatory policy changes as conditions for reconsidering the funding suspension, placing immense pressure on the university’s leadership.
Mixed reactions to compliance with federal demands
While the administration welcomed Columbia’s concessions, some faculty members and free speech advocates have condemned the decision, arguing that it represents an erosion of academic independence. Critics assert that the university’s compliance signals a dangerous precedent of governmental overreach into higher education institutions.
Path to funding restoration remains open
When asked whether Columbia’s actions were sufficient to regain federal support, McMahon remained optimistic. “We are on the right track now to make sure the final negotiations to unfreeze that money will be in place,” she stated as reported by The Associated Press, suggesting that further discussions will determine the full reinstatement of funding.
Campus tensions escalate amid federal scrutiny
The controversy surrounding Columbia has intensified in recent weeks, particularly following the March 8 arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, an activist and former spokesperson for the university’s pro-Palestinian protest movement. Khalil, a legal permanent resident, is currently contesting his detention and potential deportation in court. His case has further fueled concerns over the broader implications of federal intervention in university affairs.
As Columbia navigates the final stages of negotiations, the outcome of its funding battle is expected to have lasting repercussions for academic institutions nationwide.