Columbia announces additional steps to combat antisemitism amid negotiations with Trump administration

Columbia University announced Tuesday additional steps it would take to combat campus antisemitism after months of negotiations with the Trump administration to undo cuts to its funding.  

Among the steps, the most controversial Columbia President Claire Shipman announced was the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. The definition is widely used among governments and other schools but has been criticized by left-leaning groups because it considers some anti-Zionism advocacy antisemitic.

“Columbia is committed to taking all possible steps to combat antisemitism and the University remains dedicated to ensuring that complaints of discrimination and harassment of all types, including complaints based on Jewish and Israeli identity, are treated in the same manner. Formally adding the consideration of the IHRA definition into our existing anti-discrimination policies strengthens our approach to combating antisemitism,” Shipman wrote.  

Other actions will include appointing Title VI and Title VII coordinators, additional antisemitism training for faculty, staff and students and affirming a zero-tolerance policy for hate and antisemitism on campus.  

Two people familiar with the situation told The New York Times a funding deal between Columbia and the administration could come as early as this week. It could include a hefty hundred-million dollar fine and further reforms on campus.  

“Our work toward an agreement with the federal government has put a harsh spotlight on many of the difficult issues regarding discrimination and harassment we’ve seen on our campuses. 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,” Shipman wrote. 

“In my view, any government agreement we reach is only a starting point for change. Committing to reform on our own is a more powerful path. It will better enable us to recognize our shortcomings and create lasting change,” she added. 

Columbia began cooperating with the federal government after it took away over $400 million in funding for alleged inaction on antisemitism.