Columbia University Announces Commitment to Combating Anti-Semitism

The federal government had earlier canceled $400 million in federal funding to the university.

Students sit on the front steps of Low Memorial Library on the Columbia University campus in New York City on Feb. 10, 2023. Ted Shaffrey, File /AP Photo

Columbia University will put in place several measures to fight anti-Semitism on its campuses, the institution’s acting president, Claire Shipman, said in a July 15 letter to the university’s community.

“There is no place for intimidation, hateful language, or targeting of Jews or Israelis at Columbia, and we have zero tolerance for this behavior,” she wrote.

“Beginning this 2025–26 academic year, Columbia will make clear our ‘Zero Tolerance for Antisemitism and Hate’ in regular community messages.

“As part of this initiative, Columbia has not, and will not, recognize or meet with the group that calls itself ‘Columbia University Apartheid Divest’ (CUAD), its representatives, or any of its affiliated organizations.”

Following the Hamas terror attack against Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel’s response in Gaza, radical protests were undertaken at Columbia; one campus encampment lasted more than 100 days before being broken up by the police. Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD), a school coalition that pushes for Columbia to divest itself of financial interests in Israel, was involved in organizing the protests.

In March, the Trump administration said it was canceling about $400 million in federal funds to Columbia, accusing the university of failing to take action against harassment faced by Jewish students.

“Universities must comply with all federal anti-discrimination laws if they are going to receive federal funding,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said at that time. “For too long, Columbia has abandoned that obligation to Jewish students studying on its campus.”

In June, a federal judge upheld the Trump administration’s decision to suspend $400 million in funding for Columbia.

In the July 15 letter, Shipman said the university was working toward an agreement with the Trump administration, which she said has put a “harsh spotlight on many of the difficult issues regarding discrimination and harassment” on its campuses.

Shipman said Columbia will incorporate the definition of anti-Semitism as recommended by the university’s Task Force on Antisemitism in August 2024 into its anti-discrimination policies.

Columbia will appoint Title VI and Title VII coordinators who will oversee the university’s implementation of these legal provisions, she said.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bans discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any educational program or activity that receives federal funding. Title VII prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment.

Shipman also said Columbia plans to conduct additional training on anti-Semitism for students, faculty, and staff.

“The fact that we’ve faced pressure from the government does not make the problems on our campuses any less real; a significant part of our community has been deeply affected in negative ways,” she wrote. “In my view, any government agreement we reach is only a starting point for change.”

Shipman’s letter comes a few days after Barnard College, a Columbia affiliate, settled claims against the institution alleging that Jewish students suffered a hostile educational environment following the war in Gaza.

“Antisemitism, discrimination, and harassment in any form are antithetical to the values Barnard College champions,” Barnard College President Laura Ann Rosenbury said, according to a July 7 post by legal firm Kasowitz LLP.

“Today’s settlement reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining a campus that is safe, welcoming, and inclusive for all members of our community.”

Barnard agreed to take steps to educate its community members about anti-Semitism, including requiring students, staff, and faculty to undergo training on the institution’s Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, the law firm said.