Columbia University Allocates USD200 Million Settlement

(MENAFN) Columbia University has announced it will allocate $200 million over the coming three years as part of a settlement agreement with the Trump administration, addressing accusations of discriminatory practices against Jewish students.

Additionally, the deal includes a $21 million payment to conclude investigations conducted by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

These developments come after months of rising tension and criticism that the university neglected to respond adequately to antisemitic incidents on its campus.

In an official statement, Columbia emphasized that it is not admitting guilt as part of the settlement.

Nevertheless, the university acknowledged the need for change, stating that “while Columbia does not admit to wrongdoing with this resolution agreement, the institution’s leaders have recognized, repeatedly, that Jewish students and faculty have experienced painful, unacceptable incidents, and that reform was and is needed.”

This indicates the administration’s awareness of the harm experienced and its commitment to reform.

The terms of the agreement also require Columbia to undergo federal oversight regarding its admissions and staff recruitment procedures.

Furthermore, the university will be obligated to share specific data about international students with immigration authorities, enhancing transparency in its operations.

Columbia revealed that the resolution will allow the reinstatement of most of the $400 million in federal contracts and grants that were either halted or revoked earlier this year.

This restoration will secure its continued access to billions of dollars in both current and upcoming federal financial resources.

The Trump administration had previously charged the university with “continued inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students.”

As a result, federal funds—including those provided by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services—were suspended.

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