University to Pay Fine Over Three Years and Implement Measures Against Antisemitism
Columbia University has reached a $221 million settlement with the U.S. federal government following investigations and extended negotiations. The agreement restores the university’s access to approximately $1.3 billion in previously frozen federal funds and includes a commitment to address antisemitism on campus through specific institutional reforms.
Financial Terms of the Agreement
Columbia agreed to pay a $200 million fine over a three-year period. Additionally, $21 million will be paid to resolve a federal investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) concerning allegations of religious-based workplace harassment. The university did not admit any legal wrongdoing and explicitly denied liability in the agreement documentation.
Measures to Address Antisemitism
Under the settlement, Columbia committed to appointing new faculty jointly affiliated with the Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies and other departments, adopting the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, and creating coordinator roles to handle related complaints.
Further training for students and staff will be implemented, and the university reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on discrimination and harassment.
Federal Research Funding Reinstated
The settlement reactivates grants and contracts that had been suspended, including those from the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services. Columbia also regains eligibility for future federal research opportunities and contracts.
Academic Independence and Hiring Policies
While the agreement confirms that the government will not dictate academic content, admissions, or hiring, Columbia agreed not to consider race, sex, or national origin in admissions or employment decisions and will maintain compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws.
