Columbia University to Pay $221 Mln in Federal Settlement
Columbia University has reached a $221 million settlement with the United States federal government, resolving multiple investigations and restoring access to suspended federal funding, the institution confirmed on Wednesday.
The agreement includes a $200 million payment over three years related to investigations into alleged antisemitism on campus, as well as a $21 million settlement with the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
The deal follows months of federal scrutiny and marks a turning point for one of America's most prestigious academic institutions.
Crucially, Columbia
retains
full autonomy over core academic affairs, including faculty appointments, admissions policies, and curricular design.
Acting President Claire Shipman described the outcome as a vital step toward restoring institutional stability and clarity after a prolonged period of regulatory tension.
As part of the agreement, the majority of federal research grants suspended or revoked earlier in the year will be reinstated, providing a significant financial lifeline to the university's research and academic programs.
The settlement comes one day after Columbia imposed disciplinary action on dozens of students involved in pro-Palestinian demonstrations in spring 2024 and May 2025. These sanctions include expulsions, suspensions, probations, and revocation of degrees.
The university had become a central stage for nationwide protests against the war in Gaza.
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