• Columbia University lays off nearly 180 staff due to funding cuts from Trump.
• The funding cut follows accusations of insufficient action against antisemitism.
• Columbia is attempting to negotiate the restoration of its funding.

Columbia University has announced the layoff of nearly 180 researchers in response to the Trump administration's decision to cancel $400 million in federal funding. This decision primarily affects researchers whose work was financed by federal grants, representing about 20% of departments reliant on this funding, according to Newsweek, Reuters, and India Times.

The Trump administration pulled the funding amidst accusations of antisemitic harassment in connection with student protests related to the war in Gaza. This directive, issued in March, has significantly impacted Columbia, which had become a focal point of protests that included an encampment and the occupation of a campus building, leading to multiple arrests, reports Los Angeles Times and Channel News Asia.

In an open letter, university officials stated, "We have had to make deliberate, considered decisions about the allocation of our financial resources," acknowledging that these layoffs would be challenging for the affected staff. Columbia leaders also noted their ongoing efforts to negotiate with the government for the restoration of funding while adjusting to the “intense” strain on their finances, according to India Times and Reuters.

In response to the funding cuts, Columbia agreed to various demands put forth by the Trump administration, including overhauling its student disciplinary processes, banning masks during protests, and adopting a new definition of antisemitism. Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated Columbia was “on the right track,” but did not commit to a timeline for the restoration of funding, as cited by Los Angeles Times and Channel News Asia.