Columbia University Settles $200M Harassment Claim with Trump Administration

In a landmark settlement, Columbia University has agreed to pay $200 million to the Trump administration as a resolution to allegations that it failed to adequately protect Jewish students from harassment. The agreement, finalized on Wednesday, involves a payout over three years and was announced via a university statement.

The deal stipulates that in exchange for the monetary settlement, the federal government will restore a portion of the $400 million in research grants previously withheld from the university. Columbia has also vowed to comply with anti-discrimination laws that prohibit consideration of race in admissions and hiring practices, as well as to implement measures designed to mitigate antisemitism on campus.

Additionally, Columbia has settled separate investigations with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for $21 million. Acting President Claire Shipman emphasized that the settlement is pivotal in maintaining the university's core values and preserving its research collaboration with the federal government. The Trump administration lauded the agreement as a significant step towards accountability for institutions using taxpayer funds.

(With inputs from agencies.)