Columbia University fell into demand from the Trump administration to recover $400 million in federal funds that were dragged over how schools deal with anti-Semitism on campus.
Ivy League schools agreed to ban masks with the aim of concealing their identity, granting 36 campus police officers new authority to arrest students, and appointing a senior assistant department with broad authority to oversee research centres in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa.
A source familiar with the negotiations told Fox News that meeting the demands does not mean Columbia will regain its $400 million funding, but that is a prerequisite for holding the talk.
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Student protesters will gather in New York on Monday, April 29, 2024 in protest within the campus of Columbia University. (AP Photo/Stefan Eremiya)
Colombia's interim president, Katrina Armstrong, said the agreement “substantially outlines the substantial work that has been carried out over past grades.
“It's hard to consider the way Colombians and the Colombians are portrayed. Yes, yes, but they don't define us,” she said. “We teach the brightest and most creative students in the world, and we care deeply about each and every one of them. I have all faith in my ability to overcome the greatest challenges.
Colombia became the epicenter of anti-Israel protests after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
Meanwhile, Jewish students expressed concerns about anti-Semitism on New York City campus, expressing harassment and confusion over protesters' classes and events.
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Columbia students are watching damage to the door windows at Columbia University's Hamilton Hall in New York City on April 30, 2024. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
Earlier this month, the Trump administration revoked $400 million in school grants and contracts for failing to address anti-Semitism on campus.
“Since October 7th, Jewish students have faced unrelenting violence, intimidation and anti-Semitic harassment on campus, only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said at the time.
“Universities must comply with all federal prevention laws when they receive federal funds,” she added. “For too long, Columbia has renounced its obligations to Jewish students studying on its campus. Today we show Columbia and other universities that they no longer tolerate their horrific inaction.”
Protesters are raising the Palestinian flag as students gather on Palacevia University campus, Israeli-Palestinian Muslim Group Hamas, New York, USA, April 29, 2024, amid a 2pm deadline issued by university staff during an ongoing conflict between Israeli-Palestinian Muslim Group Hamas, protesters are raising the Palestinian flag as students gather on Palacevia University campus. (Reuters/David Diedelgado)
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Fox News Digital contacted the university.
