• The Trump administration accuses Columbia University of violating Jewish students’ civil rights.
• Findings state Columbia acted with "deliberate indifference" to harassment since October 2023.
• No new sanctions were imposed; Columbia is facing $400 million in federal cuts.
• Columbia commits to combating antisemitism and enhancing campus safety.
• The issue arose amidst ongoing protests related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The Trump administration recently accused Columbia University of violating civil rights laws by “acting with deliberate indifference” towards harassment against Jewish students, according to the Health and Human Services Department. This allegation points to ongoing antisemitism at the university, significantly intensified following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas on Israel. The administration’s findings highlight serious concerns about a hostile environment affecting Jewish students' education, safety, and well-being over the past 19 months, as noted by Anthony Archeval, acting director of the HHS Office for Civil Rights, which oversees these matters. The report reflects the administration's push to enforce stricter compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including against those of Israeli or Jewish ancestry, according to Los Angeles Times, ABC News, and India Times.

The accusations have not resulted in new sanctions against Columbia, despite the $400 million in federal funding cuts already imposed due to the university’s perceived inadequate response to antisemitism. Columbia has confirmed that it is in discussions with federal officials regarding their findings, with a spokesperson emphasizing the university's commitment to combatting antisemitism and ensuring student safety. Prior to this announcement, the Trump administration had expressed concern over the university's failure to act decisively amidst protests related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which have drawn attention to issues of free speech and academic freedom on campus, according to New York Times and Anadolu Agency.

The findings from the HHS were built on various sources, including witness interviews and media reports, detailing many incidents of harassment and a lack of effective measures to protect Jewish students. Notably, there were claims about vandalism, including the drawing of swastikas within classrooms, which the university failed to address adequately. The findings reflect broader challenges universities face in balancing free speech with the protection of minority groups during periods of heightened political and social tensions, as observed in recent campus protests, highlighted by India Times and Los Angeles Times.