On July 24, 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced a settlement with Columbia University regarding violations of federal civil rights laws. This settlement requires Columbia to stop unlawful racial discrimination in its hiring and admissions processes and to provide access to relevant data for compliance assessment. The university is to pay a total of $200 million to settle claims of discriminatory practices, which includes over $20 million specifically allocated for addressing civil rights violations against Jewish employees following significant anti-Semitic incidents on campus.

The agreement also emphasizes the need for a safe learning environment by implementing strict regulations against disruptive protests and promoting accountability in student discipline by transferring oversight from the faculty senate to the Office of the Provost. It aims to ensure that Columbia remains committed to merit-based admissions and hiring while also enhancing campus safety through collaboration with local law enforcement. Additionally, the settlement restores Columbia’s eligibility for federal grants and concludes ongoing investigations into the university’s practices.

The Trump Administration’s action aligns with its broader initiative to hold elite universities accountable for their policies and practices related to discrimination and student safety. This includes previous actions taken against institutions such as Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, aimed at maintaining fairness in academic environments. The settlement with Columbia is considered a significant step toward reinforcing the values of merit and safety in higher education.

Original: article