Columbia University will pay 200 million to end confrontation with Trump
After accusations of discrimination, the university put an end to the controversy by paying compensation and pledging to review its internal policies. The president exults and announces the end of 'DEI programmes'
1' min read
1' min read
Columbia University has agreed to pay $200 million to the US federal government to settle the case in which it was accused of violating anti-discrimination laws. The decision allows the university to recover most of the funding cut off in March, when Washington blocked some $400 million for research and university programmes.
"We are at a turning point after a long period of uncertainty and constant pressure," said interim president Claire Shipman, emphasising the university's intent to turn over a new leaf. In addition to the sum allocated to the government, the agreement also includes over $20 million in compensation to Jewish employees who had complained of discrimination.
Donald Trump personally announced the understanding on his Truth Social platform, rejoicing at what he considers a political and cultural victory: Columbia, he wrote, "has committed to ending DEI ("Diversity, Equity and Inclusion", ed.) policies" and returning to an admissions system "based solely on merit".
At the centre of the case were the tensions related to the student protests against the war in Gaza, considered by some conservatives to be manifestations of anti-Semitism. The university reiterated that it does not acknowledge any formal guilt, but admitted that "unacceptable incidents involving Jewish students and lecturers have occurred" and that "profound reforms were and remain necessary".
The agreement also provides for the appointment of a jointly chosen external supervisor to monitor compliance with federal laws on admissions, recruitment and international students.
