Columbia University Agrees to Federal Demands to Restore Funding

The university implements policy changes, including a mask ban and departmental oversight, as a precondition for negotiating the return of $400 million in federal funding.

Columbia University agreed to ban masks during protests, with exceptions for religious and medical reasons, as part of compliance with Trump administration demands.
The university will empower 36 campus police officers with the authority to arrest students and enforce disciplinary measures for protests and rule violations.
A senior vice provost will oversee the Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies department, addressing federal concerns over alleged antisemitism and bias.
The Trump administration revoked $400 million in federal funding earlier this month, citing Columbia’s failure to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests.
Compliance with these measures is only a precondition for formal negotiations, and the restoration of federal funding is not yet guaranteed.