Under Trump threat: Columbia University implements restrictive reforms - War on Gaza
As part of the sweeping reforms, Columbia University will adopt a new definition of antisemitism and expand 'intellectual diversity' by staffing up its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies, according to a letter published Friday by the interim president, Katrina Armstrong.
The announcement drew immediate condemnation from some faculty, students, and free speech groups, who accused the university of caving to President Donald Trump's largely unprecedented intrusion upon the school's academic freedom.
'Columbia's capitulation endangers academic freedom and campus expression nationwide,' Donna Lieberman, the executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, said in a statement.
Earlier this month, the Trump administration pulled $400 million in research grants and other funding over the university's handling of protests against Israel's genocide in Gaza. As a precondition to restoring those funds — along with billions more in future grants — federal officials last week demanded the university immediately enact nine separate reforms to its academic and security policies.
In her response Friday, Armstrong indicated Columbia would implement nearly all of them. As ordered, it will hire new public safety personnel and empower them to make arrests on campus, bar students from protesting in academic buildings, and revamp its long-standing process for student discipline.
Students will no longer be permitted to wear face masks on campus 'for the purposes of concealing one's identity.' An exception would be made for people wearing them for health or religious reasons.
The university will also appoint a new senior provost to review the leadership and curriculum of several international studies departments to 'ensure the educational offerings are comprehensive and balanced.'
The appointment appeared to be a concession to the Trump administration's most contentious demand: that the university places its Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department and the Center for Palestine Studies under 'academic receivership for a minimum of five years.'
The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Columbia University of letting antisemitism go unchecked at protests against Israel that began at the university last spring and quickly spread to other campuses — a characterization disputed by those involved in the demonstrations.
In her letter, Armstrong said the university had worked hard to 'address the legitimate concerns raised both from within and without our Columbia community, including by our regulators, with respect to the discrimination, harassment, and antisemitic acts our Jewish community has faced.'
'The way Columbia and Columbians have been portrayed is hard to reckon with,' she added. 'We have challenges, yes, but they do not define us.'
The Trump administration has ratcheted up its attacks on Columbia in recent weeks, thrusting the campus into crisis and sparking fears of additional reprisals at colleges across the country.
On March 8, federal immigration officials arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a prominent Palestinian activist, and legal permanent resident in his university-owned apartment building — the 'first of many' attempted deportations, according to Trump.
Justice Department leaders say they are also investigating whether Columbia hid students sought by the US over their roles in the demonstrations.
While Trump has made Columbia the most visible target of his crackdown on higher education, he has warned other universities that they will face cuts if they do not embrace his agenda.
His administration announced investigations into 52 universities for diversity, equity, and inclusion programmes. And it has suspended approximately $175 million in federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania over a transgender swimmer who last competed for the school in 2022.
On Friday, free speech groups warned Columbia's response to Trump's threat would reverberate far beyond the Manhattan campus.
"Shaking under government pressure, Columbia crumbled," said Tyler Coward, the lead counsel for government affairs at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. 'If Columbia — with its immense resources and influence — can't stand up to government demands that threaten free speech, what are other colleges to do?'
*Ahram Online edited this article.
Follow us on:
Short link:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Egypt Independent
2 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
Trump's major China gamble has paid off so far. But Xi still holds trump cards
President Donald Trump has placed a massive bet that the United States can take an historically aggressive stance against China, the world's second-largest economy, and emerge stronger because of it. Although it remains unclear if the gamble will pay off over the long term, Trump has been riding an incredible winning streak in recent months. The stock market is near record highs, the US economy rebounded in the second quarter and inflation has defied predictions of a surge after Trump put his tariffs in action. But Chinese leader Xi Jinping is on a winning streak of his own. On Monday, Trump opened the door to sending China faster AI chips after releasing previously blockaded mid-tier chips. And despite America's tariffs, China has successfully found other markets to sell to, flooding the world with its goods. That's because Xi holds a number of trump cards: China remains the world's biggest exporter of goods, wielding significant power across the world. It also maintains control of nearly the entire supply of the world's critical rare-earth minerals, necessary for manufacturing electronics and defense equipment crucial to America's national security and whose export Beijing has been slow-rolling their release, much to US consternation. And Xi has slow-walked a prize that Trump has long sought: a one-on-one meeting. Trump's wins Trump has played the role of the China bully this year, escalating the tariffs he placed on China in his first term – and continued by former President Joe Biden – to unprecedented levels. He set tariffs on Chinese goods at a minimum of 20 percent early in his second term, sending them to 145 percent in the middle of the spring and effectively blockading trade with America's second-largest trading partner. In May, negotiators between the two countries brought America's tariffs on Chinese goods imposed this year way down – to 30 percent. That felt better to US companies that rely on Chinese goods, even if it remains significantly higher than anything the United States has placed on a major trading partner in nearly a century. Over the course of the past few months, Trump's negotiators have secured several concessions from China, including purchases of US soybeans and a halt to antitrust investigations into some large American companies that threatened their ability to do business there. Those may not be major concessions, but as negotiations have continued, Trump has celebrated the tens of billions of dollars in tariff revenue that have flowed into the US Treasury each month, in large part because of the massive tariffs placed on China. Meanwhile, inflation has risen only slightly from four-year lows reached earlier this year. Last quarter's gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the US economy, showed a sharp rebound in growth, even though it was filled with warning signs. Jobs growth has slowed dramatically in recent months, but uncertainty about tariffs has largely eased, and some economists expect businesses to begin hiring again as a result in the coming months. And Trump's favorite indicator of success, the US stock market, has been booming, largely ignoring tariffs in favor of relatively strong earnings and a potential rate cut from the Federal Reserve in the next few months. So Trump has been able to come across as a strong foil to China, which he has labeled a national security threat and key economic competitor, while keeping the US economy from plunging into a recession – at least in the near term. That's no small feat. Xi's counter Despite Trump's bluster about China, America's president has treated Xi with relative leniency compared to the aggression he's shown toward US allies, including the European Union and Brazil, in recent months. That's because Xi is playing a very strong hand, too. China maintains an iron grip on rare-earth minerals used in ultra-strong magnets that are essential components in everything from cars to fighter jets. The United States deems them critical to the defense and industrial sectors, but China controls 90 percent of the global processing of rare earths. In various rounds of trade negotiations, the United States said it has won concessions that would give any US business that wants rare earths preferential treatment and access, but American companies continue to complain that China isn't issuing permits quickly enough to satisfy their needs. In exchange for doling out more rare earths, China has demanded a reduction in US export controls on critical goods – with a particular eye on advanced AI microchips. The Trump administration had drawn a line in the sand on AI chips, barring their delivery to China. But Monday, Trump reversed course, saying Nvidia's H20 chips that powered China's earth-shattering Deepseek AI model could flow somewhat freely into China. And he even said he would consider allowing Nvidia to ship a pared down version of its highest-end Blackwell chips, a concession that the White House had previously said was a nonstarter. Xi has also curried favor with Trump by agreeing to purchase US goods, including soybeans. Meanwhile, China's economy has kept pace by selling into new markets, including countries in South America and Africa, limiting disruption to its businesses. China's exports grew at 5.9 percent in the first half of 2025, the same pace as the first six months of 2024, according to ING. And China's trade surplus reached $586 billion in the first half, setting a new record for any six-month period. And Xi has power over something else that Trump truly covets: a meeting. Although Trump has claimed Xi promised to meet a date has not yet been set, and China has yet to confirm. So Xi is biding his time, leveraging his country's resources and export dominance. It's a strong hand to play against a president who has used tariffs to steamroll practically every other foreign leader in his path.
See - Sada Elbalad
6 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Trump to Host S. Korean President at White House
Israa Farhan US President Donald Trump will welcome South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to the White House on 25 August for talks covering their recent trade agreement, semiconductor cooperation, shipbuilding, and other strategic issues, according to Seoul officials. This summit marks the first meeting between the two leaders since Lee's election in June, which followed the removal of his predecessor after declaring martial law. In response to proposed tariff reductions from 25 percent to 15 percent, President Trump announced in July that South Korea would invest 350 billion US dollars in the United States and purchase 100 billion US dollars' worth of energy-related products. Trump also noted that Seoul had agreed to make a significant additional investment, with details to be revealed during President Lee's visit to Washington. Lee's office said the meeting will focus on elevating the alliance into a future-oriented strategic partnership in light of shifting global, security, and economic conditions. A South Korean presidential spokesperson confirmed that discussions will address cooperation in manufacturing sectors such as semiconductors, batteries, and shipbuilding, as well as economic security partnerships involving advanced technology and critical minerals. South Korean officials emphasized that Seoul's commitment to helping the United States revive its shipbuilding industry is key to finalizing the trade deal. Washington has been increasingly looking to overseas shipyards to strengthen its military operations, positioning South Korea as a pivotal defence partner. In 2024, Hanwha Ocean, one of South Korea's largest shipbuilding companies, became the first non-US firm to be authorized to conduct dry-dock maintenance on US Navy vessels. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid Videos & Features Story behind Trending Jessica Radcliffe Death Video News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture Lebanese Media: Fayrouz Collapses after Death of Ziad Rahbani
Egypt Independent
8 hours ago
- Egypt Independent
US and China agree to critical extension, preventing tariff surge on the world's two largest economies
The United States and China agreed to pause tariff hikes on each other's goods for an additional 90 days, according to an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Monday. Without the agreement, tariffs were set to immediately surge, risking a return to ultra-high levels that had formed an effective blockade on trade between the world's two largest economies. The news, first reported by CNBC, comes hours ahead of a 12:01 am ET deadline when tariffs on Chinese goods were set to rise to 54 percent from 30 percent, and Chinese tariffs on American exports would return to 34 percent from 10 percent. In a joint statement with the US, China confirmed the 90-day trade truce extension and said it would maintain the 10 percent tariffs it has imposed on American goods during that period. The statement was based on the bilateral negotiations that took place in Sweden last month, it said. The extension comes after Trump imposed a slew of 'reciprocal' tariffs on trading partners around the world, which have raised the United States' effective tariff rate to levels not seen since the Great Depression. Higher tariffs on Chinese goods, America's second-largest source of imports, would have almost certainly raised the costs many American businesses and consumers could pay — or already are paying — because of increased import taxes Trump has enacted. After meeting in Sweden in July, Chinese negotiators went as far as to say that a deal was reached. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, both of whom attended the meeting, disputed that, saying nothing was final without Trump's word. 'We'll see what happens. They've been dealing quite nicely. The relationship is very good with President Xi and myself,' Trump said earlier on Monday. A White House fact sheet on the extension said trade discussions with China have been 'constructive' and quoted Trump saying: 'We're getting along with China very well.' At the conclusion of last month's meeting with Chinese trade officials, Bessent said he warned his Chinese counterparts that continuing to purchase Russian oil would bring about huge tariffs under legislation in Congress that allows Trump to impose levies up to 500 percent. It's not clear if the administration is prepared to double down on those threats yet. Trump recently threatened India, which also purchases Russian oil, albeit considerably less than China, with a 50 percent tariff rate if it continues to do so by the end of this month. The move to penalize India and not other countries purchasing oil from Russia has been widely criticized by the Indian government, which claims it's being unfairly singled out. Trump suggested that more countries could face similar threats. 'You're going to see a lot more. So this is a taste,' he said last week. And over the weekend in a Fox News interview, Vice President JD Vance said such tariffs on China are on the table, though Trump had not yet made a decision. 'Given that we seem to be headed toward some type of deal with China leading to some kind of meeting between Xi and Trump, the administration has definitely been more conciliatory towards China in the past few weeks,' said Wendy Cutler, a former US trade negotiator who is now vice president of the Asia Society Policy Institute. Were China to give in to the administration's desires to stop purchasing Russian oil, it would be done 'quietly and gradually' rather than a Trump announcement on social media, she added. Much remains unresolved Bessent also said he voiced concerns and regrets about China's sales of over $15 billion worth of dual-use technology equipment (that is, equipment that has both commercial and military uses) to Russia and its purchase of sanctioned Iranian oil. Another sticking point between the US and China has been exportations of rare earth magnets. China agreed to increase exports, but Trump says China has not held up its end of the bargain. The US also wants to find an American buyer for TikTok, which is currently owned by a Chinese company. Congress has set out a timeline for the app to find new ownership or face a US ban. US stocks closed lower Monday ahead of key inflation data set to be published Tuesday morning. This story has been updated. An earlier version misstated the tariff rate the United States would have placed on Chinese goods if the pause had not been extended
