"Under the agreement, the majority of federal grants that were cut or suspended in March will be restored. We will have access to billions of dollars now and in the future," Columbia University said on 23/7, announcing the settlement with President Donald Trump's administration.

In return, Columbia University will pay the government $200 million over three years and $21 million to settle investigations initiated by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

"This agreement marks an important step forward after a period of intense federal scrutiny and institutional instability," said acting Columbia University president Claire Shipman.

Columbia University staff protest against the university's policies on 6/6. Photo: Reuters

Columbia University staff protest against the university's policies on 6/6. Photo: Reuters

Shipman affirmed that the agreement was carefully crafted to "protect the university's defining values" and put the relationship between Columbia University and the US government back on track.

According to the New York Post, the agreement includes a provision requiring Columbia University to maintain a security force to prevent protests on campus. The university will also tighten background checks on international students, and this information will be shared with the government.

The Trump administration's commitment to reinstate federal funding for Columbia University is a positive sign for the university, which is under increasing financial pressure. It is also a win for the US president, who has repeatedly criticized prestigious universities for allowing pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Last year, Columbia University became the center of heated controversy over accusations of antisemitism after a series of protests against Israel's campaign in the Gaza Strip erupted on campus. Some Jewish students said they were threatened and criticized the university for failing to protect them.

Former president Minouche Shafik resigned in August 2024, just a few weeks before the start of the new school year, citing scrutiny over the handling of the protests.

After hundreds of millions of USD in federal research funding were cut, Columbia University implemented a series of new policies at the request of the Trump administration.

Ngoc Anh (AFP, AP)