WASHINGTON, D.C. — The federal government has taken decisive action against Columbia University, cancelling $400 million in federal grants and contracts in response to what officials describe as the institution’s failure to address ongoing anti-Semitic harassment on its campus. The announcement, made jointly by the Departments of Justice (DOJ), Health and Human Services (HHS), Education (ED), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), marks the first significant action from the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism.
The unprecedented move underscores the Biden administration’s commitment to enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and protecting students from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin—including anti-Semitism. According to officials, this cancellation is only the initial step, with further termination of funding anticipated following comprehensive reviews of Columbia’s federal grants, which currently total more than $5 billion.
Federal Response to Campus Harassment
This decision comes in the wake of federal investigations and mounting reports of violence, harassment, and intimidation targeting Jewish students at Columbia. Despite repeated warnings and communications from the Task Force, university officials have been accused of doing little to counter the increasingly unsafe environment for Jewish students. This perceived inaction prompted federal departments to act decisively.
“Since October 7, Jewish students have faced relentless violence, intimidation, and anti-Semitic harassment on their campuses – only to be ignored by those who are supposed to protect them,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “Today, we demonstrate to Columbia and other universities that we will not tolerate their appalling inaction any longer.”
Task Force Objectives
The cancellations are part of a broader effort led by the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, a federal initiative aimed at addressing rising anti-Semitism in educational institutions and ensuring compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws. Established by executive order, the Task Force has been charged with investigating incidents of anti-Semitism on college campuses across the nation and holding institutions accountable when they fail to protect their students.
DOJ Senior Counsel Leo Terrell, head of the Civil Rights Division’s Task Force, stated, “Cancelling these taxpayer funds is our strongest signal yet that the Federal Government is not going to be party to an educational institution like Columbia that does not protect Jewish students and staff. This is only the beginning.”
Financial and Operational Impact
The immediate cancellation of $400 million in federal funding represents a significant financial blow to Columbia University, cutting off critical resources for research and educational initiatives. GSA has already begun coordinating with HHS and ED to issue stop-work orders on contracts and grants, effectively freezing the university’s access to these funds.
“Doing business with the Federal Government is a privilege,” said Josh Gruenbaum, FAS Commissioner and Task Force member. “Columbia cannot expect to retain the privilege of receiving federal taxpayer dollars if they will not fulfill their civil rights responsibilities.”
Officials emphasized that additional cancellations are under review and will proceed as swiftly as possible. Over the coming weeks, the Task Force will continue assessing whether Columbia’s remaining contracts are compliant with federal anti-discrimination standards.
Broader Implications
This unprecedented action serves as a stern warning to all federally funded institutions that failure to enforce civil rights protections will carry significant consequences. Agencies involved in the Task Force reiterated their intent to hold educational institutions accountable for fostering a safe and equitable environment for all students.
“Anti-Semitism is clearly inconsistent with the fundamental values that should inform liberal education,” stated Sean Keveney, HHS Acting General Counsel and Task Force member. “Columbia University’s complacency is unacceptable.”
By freezing and cancelling federal grants, the federal government aims to set a precedent, emphasizing the imperative for universities to align with anti-discrimination laws. Columbia is now under heightened scrutiny to address the allegations swiftly or face further financial and reputational damage.
With this action, the federal government underscores its commitment to combating anti-Semitism and protecting the rights of Jewish students, ensuring that federally funded institutions adhere to their civil rights obligations.
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