March 22, 2025 — Columbia University has agreed to several conditions outlined by the Trump administration after $400 million in federal funding was suspended over allegations that the university failed to address antisemitism on campus.
According to a memo released Friday, Columbia will no longer permit the use of face masks for the purpose of concealing identity during campus protests. Individuals involved in demonstrations must also present university identification upon request.
The policy changes come in response to a list of nine conditions issued by the federal government. Although Columbia has agreed to most of the items, the Trump administration has not yet confirmed whether the funding will be reinstated.
Interim President Katrina Armstrong stated in an email to students that the university’s response highlights steps taken over the past year to maintain academic continuity and campus safety.
One major change affects the Department of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies, which will now be overseen by a Senior Vice Provost. This official will conduct a review of academic programs, beginning with Middle East-related offerings, to ensure they are “comprehensive and balanced.” Admissions procedures will also be reviewed to confirm they are unbiased.
Earlier this month, the Department of Education cited “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students” as the reason for pulling the $400 million in funding. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated that universities must comply with federal anti-discrimination laws to receive federal support.
Among the federal requests were a ban on masks, and authorization for campus police to arrest individuals deemed “agitators.”
Columbia is one of 60 universities that have been warned of potential funding cancellations if allegations of antisemitism are not addressed.
The developments follow the recent arrest of Columbia graduate Mahmoud Khalil by federal immigration authorities. Khalil, a legal U.S. permanent resident, faces deportation for his involvement in 2024 campus protests. Federal officials allege Khalil and other activists support Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization. His legal team argues that his actions were an exercise of protected free speech in opposition to U.S. support for Israel.
No final decision has been made by the federal government regarding the restoration of Columbia’s funding.
