The Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, and the U.S. General Services Administration have announced the cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University. This decision comes as a response to what these agencies describe as the university's continued inaction regarding persistent harassment faced by Jewish students on campus.
The cancellations are part of a broader effort by the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, which is reviewing federal commitments to Columbia University. Currently, Columbia holds more than $5 billion in federal grant commitments.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi commented on the situation: "After the horrors of October 7th, Jewish students were shamefully targeted on American college campuses—including at Columbia University." She emphasized that universities must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws or face consequences.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon added that Jewish students have been subjected to violence and intimidation since October 7, without adequate protection from university authorities. "Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer," she stated.
President Trump has expressed a clear stance that colleges failing to protect students from anti-Semitic harassment risk losing federal funding. Leo Terrell from the DOJ highlighted this action as a strong signal against institutions like Columbia that do not safeguard Jewish students and staff.
Sean Keveney from HHS described anti-Semitism as inconsistent with educational values, labeling Columbia's complacency as unacceptable. The GSA will work alongside HHS and ED to issue stop-work orders on grants and contracts held by Columbia University, effectively freezing access to those funds.
Josh Gruenbaum from GSA remarked on the responsibility of institutions receiving federal dollars: "Columbia cannot expect to retain the privilege of receiving federal taxpayer dollars if they will not fulfill their civil rights responsibilities."
For further details, refer to the joint press release issued by HHS, ED, and GSA on March 3rd.