After months of feuding with Columbia University over its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, President Donald Trump announced a settlement with the school on Wednesday.
The agreement prohibits Columbia from engaging in unlawful racial discrimination in hiring, admissions, or university programming. The Ivy League university will provide access to all relevant data and information so the administration can assess compliance.
Columbia will pay the United States $200 million to settle claims related to discriminatory practices. This is the largest employment-discrimination public settlement in almost 20 years.
More than $20 million will go towards resolving alleged civil rights violations against Jewish Columbia employees on campus after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. This is the largest settlement in history for victims of antisemitism and for workers of any religion.
“The Trump administration’s deal with Columbia University is a seismic shift in our nation’s fight to hold institutions that accept American taxpayer dollars accountable for antisemitic discrimination and harassment,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said after the agreement was announced. “For decades, the American public has watched in horror as our elite campuses have been overrun by anti-western teachings and a leftist groupthink that restricts speech and debate to push a one-sided view of our nation and the world.”
The agreement also protects women from the intrusion of males who identify as transgender women in their private spaces and sports.
The White House’s settlement mandates comprehensive review of Columbia’s portfolio of programs in regional areas, starting with those relating to the Middle East, and calls for the hiring new faculty to promote intellectual diversity.
Columbia is also required to strengthen oversight of international students in order to protect national security.
“By securing this settlement, the Trump administration is ensuring that Columbia upholds merit-based standards, complies with federal law, and fosters an environment of academic excellence and safety for all students,” a senior White House official said.