Trump administration cuts federal funding to Columbia University following pro-Palestine protests

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has made another controversial decision. The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the 400 million dollars in federal funding allocated to Columbia University has been "immediately" cut, citing the pro-Palestine protests held at the institution.

In a statement released by the Department, it was stated that the funding was withdrawn because the Columbia University administration "failed to act effectively against the ongoing harassment of Jewish students."

The Department emphasized that the decision was taken in line with the Trump administration's policy of "zero tolerance for antisemitism on university campuses."

Following the decision, the Columbia University administration stated that the funding cut could negatively affect educational activities and student support programs, and called on the government to review its decision.

WARNING AGAINST ILLEGAL PROTESTS

The prestigious university in New York had become the center of pro-Palestine demonstrations held against Israel's military operations in Gaza over the past year.

In a statement earlier this week, Trump said that educational institutions that tolerate "illegal protests" would not be able to benefit from federal funds and announced that an investigation into Columbia University would be launched.

News Source: İHA