Jewish scholars condemn cancelation of federal funding to Columbia

A group of 400 Jewish professors and students have written a letter condemning the cancelation of some $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University, a move the Trump administration says is in response to the school's handling of antisemitism.

“We are Jewish faculty, scholars, and students at U.S. universities — representative of the community that this administration purports to be protecting from antisemitism on campuses. Let us be clear: These actions do not protect us,” the letter reads.  

The Trump administration has threatened there will be more such cuts in the future and said funds would not be restored unless the school takes certain actions reforming academic and disciplinary functions.  

While the group of Jewish scholars say they have diverse views on the situation in Gaza and Columbia University’s administration, “[w]hat unites us is that we refuse to let our Jewish identities be used as a pretext for destroying institutions that have long made America great,” the letter says.  

“Together, we say: Not on our behalf. Harming U.S. Universities does not protect Jewish people. Cutting funding for research does not protect Jewish people. Punishing researchers and scholars does not protect Jewish people. These actions do, however, limit opportunities for students and scholars — within the Jewish community and beyond — to receive training, conduct research, and engage in free expression,” the letter added.  

The Trump administration said for it to even consider giving the funding back Columbia will have to take steps including enforcing existing disciplinary rules; centralizing disciplinary processes to the Office of the President; creating time, plan and manner rules for protesting and banning masks except for religious or health reasons. 

Additional measures include creating a plan to hold student groups accountable; adopting a formal definition of antisemitism; empowering internal law enforcement; putting Middle East, South Asian and African Studies under academic receiverships and creating a plan for admissions reform.    

Columbia has until Thursday to agree to the terms.