Key takeaways:

• The Trump administration is reviewing Columbia University's federal contracts over allegations of antisemitism.
• Over 50 million dollars in federal contracts could be impacted by stop-work orders.
• Columbia has faced accusations of inaction in addressing anti-Jewish harassment amidst rising tensions related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
• Federal review will also cover over $5 billion in grant commitments to ensure compliance with civil rights laws.
• Pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia have drawn significant scrutiny and allegations of harassment against Jewish students.

WASHINGTON, March 3 (Reuters) - The Trump administration has initiated a review of Columbia University's federal contracts and grants following serious allegations of antisemitism. The review is propelled by claims that the university has not adequately addressed ongoing harassment and discrimination faced by Jewish students, as outlined in a joint statement from the U.S. Departments of Health, Education, and General Services.

The examination coincides with the establishment of a federal Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, formed to address this growing concern. Specifically, the task force is considering stop-work orders for contracts totaling $51.4 million. This announcement is a result of what the administration describes as “relentless harassment” that has been directed towards Jewish individuals on campus.

"Americans have watched in horror for more than a year now, as Jewish students have been assaulted and harassed on elite university campuses," stated Linda McMahon, the Education Secretary under Trump. She expressed deep concerns regarding Columbia's apparent failure to protect its students, implying serious questions about the university's eligibility to maintain its federal funding.

Alongside the contract review, the task force is also set to investigate approximately $5 billion in federal grant commitments to ensure compliance with civil rights laws. This examination has unfolded amid escalating protests related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Columbia being a focal point for intense demonstrations advocating for Palestine.

Despite calls from rights advocates for a balanced approach to harassment concerns—including the need to address anti-Arab bias—the federal announcement centered exclusively on antisemitism allegations. The university has yet to formally respond to the government's review.

The situation escalates tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia, where allegations of antisemitism and Islamophobia have emerged in what has become a fractious academic environment. These protests have previously resulted in significant disruptions on campus, leading to arrests and charges against students exhibiting extreme behavior during demonstrations.

For further details, please refer to the complete articles on The Hill and Reuters.