Aaj Ki Janta

New York, April 15, 2025 — Columbia University announced it is in “good faith” negotiations with the Trump administration to restore $400 million in federal funding, even as Harvard University took a bold stand by rejecting the administration’s demands.

The conflict centers around the administration’s push to audit “viewpoint diversity” and curtail diversity initiatives on campuses, citing concerns over antisemitism during pro-Palestinian protests following the 2023 Hamas-led attacks and Israel’s response in Gaza. While the Trump administration alleges a rise in antisemitism, student activists argue their criticism of Israel is being unfairly labeled as such.

Columbia’s interim president, Claire Shipman, reaffirmed the university’s dedication to academic freedom. “We would reject any agreement in which the government dictates what we teach, research, or who we hire,” she said Monday night.

Earlier that day, Harvard President Alan Garber dismissed the administration’s demands as unconstitutional and in violation of the Civil Rights Act, resulting in the freezing of over $2 billion in federal grants and contracts.

Former President Barack Obama supported Harvard’s stance, calling it a defense of academic freedom. Meanwhile, Trump hinted at revoking Harvard’s tax-exempt status, criticizing what he described as “terrorist-supporting sickness.”

The standoff comes as Trump’s administration faces mounting legal scrutiny over immigration and the suspension of federal programs. Critics warn that the government’s actions threaten the independence of academic institutions nationwide.

As negotiations continue, all eyes are on Columbia, which has yet to reach an agreement but remains in active dialogue with federal officials. The outcome could set a precedent for how universities navigate political pressure in an increasingly polarized environment.