DOJ, HHS, ED, and GSA Announce Initial Cancelation of Grants and Contracts to Columbia University Worth $400 Million
The U. S. Department of Justice (DOJ), along with other federal agencies, is taking significant action against Columbia University due to its failure to address harassment of Jewish students. This decision follows ongoing investigations into the university's compliance with anti-discrimination laws.
1. Cancellation of Funds:
• Approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University have been canceled.
• This decision reflects the university’s ongoing inaction regarding the harassment faced by Jewish students.
2. Continued Review by Task Force:
• The Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism is continuing to review Columbia University’s federal contracts and grants, and additional cancellations are anticipated.
• Columbia University currently receives over $5 billion in federal funds.
3. Government Officials' Statements:
• Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized that universities must protect their students from discrimination or face consequences.
• Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated that universities that neglect their obligations to protect Jewish students will no longer receive federal funding.
4. Historical Context:
• The announcement comes after alleged anti-Semitic incidents at Columbia following the events of October 7, 2023.
• Jewish students have reportedly faced violence and intimidation while the university has not adequate responded.
5. Policy Approaches:
• The federal government is using the cancellation of funds to demonstrate that it will not support institutions that do not protect students from harassment and discrimination.
• GSA will help to halt all grants and contracts to Columbia that involve federal funding.
6. Consequences for Columbia:
• Columbia University is warned that it cannot expect to keep federal funds without fulfilling its civil rights responsibilities.
• The actions taken serve as a precedent for all universities receiving federal support.
The Department of Justice and other federal agencies have announced the cancellation of significant federal grants to Columbia University due to the institution's failure to address anti-Semitic harassment. This decision underscores the importance of complying with federal anti-discrimination laws. The government sends a clear message to educational institutions about their responsibilities to protect all students from harassment and discrimination.
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