A demonstrator dressed as the Columbia University lion mascot protests outside the main gates of Columbia University as the university prepares to host former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in New York City, U.S., March 4, 2025. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
Columbia University officials warned late Friday that the Trump administration's cancellation of $400 million in federal grants and contracts to the institution will certainly impact its students, faculty, staff and even patients.
The university has faced a tumultuous several months, with campus protests and encampments last year sparked by Israel's war on Gaza. More than 100 pro-Palestinian students from an encampment were arrested.
The university suspended in-person classes, shifting to remote learning, and cancelled its primary graduation ceremony.
On Friday, the Trump administration announced a severe punishment, axing hundreds of millions of dollars in federal grants and contracts to Columbia, accusing officials of failing to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish students. The move affected 10 universities.
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Trump had said this week he would slash funding for schools that allow "illegal protests."
In response, Katrina Armstrong, interim president of Columbia, penned a letter to students, faculty and alumni warning of the deep impact they expect.
"There is no question that the cancellation of these funds will immediately impact research and other critical functions of the University, impacting students, faculty, staff, research, and patient care," warned Armstrong. "But let me be very clear: Columbia is taking the government’s action very seriously. I want to assure the entire Columbia community that we are committed to working with the federal government to address their legitimate concerns. To that end, Columbia can, and will, continue to take serious action toward combatting antisemitism on our campus."
She emphasized: "This is our number one priority."
Armstrong acknowledged that Friday's announcement will "undoubtedly create anxiety and concern," and said its impact will "touch nearly every corner of the University."
Even so, she stressed the university is dedicated to education and research — and they refuse to "waver."
"Our north star has not changed," she said.
Armstrong vowed to foster an environment where differing viewpoints are welcome, as well as "fact-based debate." She called out antisemitism, violence, discrimination, harassment, and other behaviors that "violate our values or disrupt teaching, learning, or research" and urged the university to work to address them.
Armstrong said the university "needed to acknowledge and repair" the damage to its Jewish students, who were "targeted, harassed, and made to feel unsafe or unwelcome."
She touted that her first action as interim president last year was to impose harsher discipline for violations of its rules governing conduct. The school also appointed a new rules administrator, created an office dedicated to combatting antisemitism, harassment and discrimination, and added resources and training for public safety officers.