NEW YORK – Linda McMahon, the U.S. Secretary of Education, commended Columbia University for its commitment to regaining federal funding. The prestigious New York City institution has agreed to implement various policy changes as requested by the Trump administration, which McMahon believes are steps in the right direction.
Appearing on CNN’s “State of the Union” Sunday, McMahon described “great conversations” with Columbia’s interim president, Katrina Armstrong.
McMahon highlighted Columbia University’s dedication to ensuring the safety of children on campus and eliminating all forms of discrimination. The university’s proactive approach aims to tackle any systemic issues, particularly regarding antisemitism. The institution is taking significant steps to address these concerns effectively.
In a recent announcement, Armstrong, a representative of the university, disclosed their plans to restructure the Middle East studies department and revamp regulations concerning protests and student conduct. Columbia University has also committed to adopting a new definition of antisemitism and enhancing “intellectual diversity” by expanding resources at the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies.
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.
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