The US government has cancelled $532 million in grants and contracts to Columbia University in New York City due to allegations of failing to address harassment of Jewish students. The General Services Administration (GSA) made this announcement on March 7.
The cuts come from a broader $5 billion allocated to Columbia. The decision followed discussions with the Department of Justice, the Department of Education, and the Department of Health and Human Services.
Students at Columbia University have participated in protests calling for the US to end its support for Israel. These protests arose from concerns about civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Protesters alleged both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia during the events.
Columbia previously stated its efforts to combat anti-Semitism. The US government’s decision to revoke the funds sends a clear message: institutions must protect Jewish students and staff.
The government has yet to disclose which specific grants and contracts it has cut.
