Columbia University Accused of Federal Civil Rights Law Violation

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has reported that Columbia University showed a “deliberate disregard” for the harassment of Jewish students, violating federal civil rights laws.

Bloomberg reported that Anthony Archeval, acting director of civil rights at HHS, has detailed the hostile environment Jewish students at Columbia University have experienced for over a year and a half. This disruption to their education, safety, and well-being was highlighted. Archeval encourages Columbia University to cooperate with HHS to develop an agreement that offers stronger protection for Jewish students.

These findings emerge amidst an ongoing dispute between the Ivy League University in New York and the Trump Administration, along with other higher education institutions, over federal funding and scrutiny. The Trump administration has pushed for colleges to modify their admissions and hiring policies, monitor campus protests, and oversee academic programs.

The federal government cancelled $400 million in contracts and grants with Columbia University, alleging the university’s insufficient response to Jewish student complaints about antisemitism after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. Columbia University, in a late-night statement, expressed its dedication to combating all forms of antisemitism, harassment, and discrimination on its campus, promising to address these issues in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Education.

However, Columbia University’s Claire Shipman stated that the university would not accept an agreement in which the government dictates its hiring, teaching, or research. The university and the administration have been negotiating over funding cuts, including changes requested by the government related to complaints of leftist bias, student safety, and police.

The HHS report was released as the Trump administration has revoked Harvard University’s ability to accept overseas students. Not only are Harvard and Columbia being targeted, but also Princeton and Northwestern Universities by the administration.