Education secretary says Columbia University's changes put it on track to recover funding
Share and Follow


NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Columbia University is “on the right track” toward recovering federal funding after the elite New York City university agreed to implement a host of policy changes demanded by the Trump administration.

Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday, McMahon described “great conversations” with Columbia’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong.

“She said she knew that this was her responsibility to make sure that children on her campus were safe,” McMahon said. “She wanted to make sure there was no discrimination of any kind. She wanted to address any systemic issues that were identified relative to the antisemitism on campus.”

Armstrong announced Friday that the university would put its Middle East studies department under new supervision and overhaul its rules for protests and student discipline. It also agreed to adopt a new definition of antisemitism and expand “intellectual diversity” by staffing up its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies, according to an outline posted on its website.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration pulled $400 million in research grants and other funding over how the university handled protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. In order to consider restoring those funds and billions more in future grants, federal officials demanded nine separate changes to the university’s academic and security policies.

Armstrong’s decision acceding to the administration’s demands drew condemnation from some faculty and free speech groups, who accused the university of caving to President Donald Trump’s largely unprecedented intrusion on academic freedom.

Asked whether the university had done enough to secure its funding, McMahon said: “We are on the right track now to make sure the final negotiations to unfreeze that money will be in place.”

The Trump administration’s crackdown on Columbia University, where a massive pro-Palestinian protest movement began with a tent encampment last spring, has thrust the campus into crisis and sparked fears of similar actions at colleges across the country.

Federal immigration officials on March 8 arrested Mahmoud Khalil, an activist who served as a spokesperson and negotiator for pro-Palestinian demonstrators last year. Khalil, a legal permanent resident, is challenging his detention and potential deportation in court.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
NYC hospital accuses nurses’ union of seeking protections for workers arriving drunk, high as strike begins

NYC Hospital Claims Nurses’ Union Demands Controversial Protections Amid Strike

On Monday, thousands of healthcare professionals staged a walkout, marking the largest…
Jamie Dimon warns Trump's Fed intervention will backfire

Jamie Dimon Sounds the Alarm: Why Trump’s Fed Interference Could Spell Economic Trouble

JP Morgan’s CEO, Jamie Dimon, has issued a caution against the Trump…
Federal agents deploy tear gas, rubber bullets on protesters outside Minneapolis federal building

Federal Agents Clash with Minneapolis Protesters Using Tear Gas and Rubber Bullets: A Tense Showdown

Tensions escalated outside a federal building in Minneapolis on Monday as federal…
LA County eyes 'ICE-free zones' on government property despite $1B in federal funding at risk

LA County Considers ‘ICE-Free Zones’ on Government Properties, Risking $1B in Federal Funds

Officials in Los Angeles are deliberating on establishing “ICE-free zones” to restrict…
Harvey news: Mayor misses Harvey City Council's first meeting in months as financial crisis continues, frustrating residents

Harvey Mayor Absent from Key City Council Meeting Amid Ongoing Financial Struggles, Leaving Residents Frustrated

The city of Harvey, Illinois, convened its City Council meeting on Monday…
49ers' George Kittle breaks silence on Achilles injury in emotional post: 'Heartbroken'

George Kittle’s Emotional Revelation: 49ers Star Opens Up About Achilles Injury

On Monday, Greg Kittle broke his silence on social media regarding his…
Julio Iglesias is accused of sexually assaulting  two ex-employees

Julio Iglesias Faces Serious Allegations: Former Employees Accuse Singer of Sexual Assault

Julio Iglesias, the renowned Spanish singer, is facing allegations of sexual assault…
Linda Brown, Chicago teacher found dead in Lake Michigan at 31st Street Harbor, died by suicide, drowning: medical examiner

Tragic Loss: Chicago Teacher Linda Brown’s Passing at 31st Street Harbor Ruled Suicide by Drowning

CHICAGO — The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on Tuesday that…