Columbia University has agreed to several demands imposed by the Trump administration following the withdrawal of $400 million in federal funding, amid allegations of antisemitism related to campus protests. Interim President Katrina Armstrong announced these changes in a memo sent just before the deadline set by the federal government.

The university's response includes a range of reforms including a ban on masks intended to conceal identity during protests, enhanced power for campus security officers to arrest individuals, and a thorough review of its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies department. Columbia has also pledged to adopt a new definition of antisemitism that could include expressions deemed discriminatory against Jews and Israelis.

In defending these actions, Armstrong stated, “We aim to ensure every student, faculty, and staff member feels safe and welcome on our campus,” reflecting the administration's focus on altering its disciplinary policies and operational framework. However, many faculty members are expressing concern that this capitulation may threaten academic independence and freedom.

Columbia's commitment to complying with these federal demands has drawn immediate criticism, with organizations like the New York Civil Liberties Union warning that the adjustments undermine not just the university but may set a dangerous precedent for academic institutions across the country.

In a statement from the Trump administration, officials highlighted the urgency of the reforms, which are intended to prevent antisemitic harassment and ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws, vital for the restoration of the university's federal funding.

The backdrop to Columbia's actions is a series of protests that erupted last year on campuses nationwide following the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas. The Trump administration has taken a hard stance against universities perceived to be fostering antisemitic sentiment amidst these protests. This includes scrutiny on approximately 60 universities regarding their responses to similar claims.

Please read more about the developments in this story through BBC, The Hill, and The Guardian.