Columbia University Gives in to Trump Admin Demands, Eroding Academic Freedom and Student Speech  

NEW YORK – Columbia University has reportedly acceded to the Trump administration’s demands that the school implement a mask ban, change its admission and student discipline processes – including giving dozens of campus officers new arrest powers – and place the department of Middle East, South Asian and African Studies as well as the Center for Palestine Studies under “academic receivership” in exchange for the restoration of $400 million in federal funding.   

In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union released the following statement attributable to Executive Director Donna Lieberman:  

“By giving in to the Trump Administration’s demands, Columbia sets a dangerous precedent that normalizes government intrusion on academic freedom and student expression.   

“Instead of standing up for academic freedom, its core mission, and its faculty and students, Columbia has capitulated to the bullies. The law was on Columbia’s side, but the university hasn’t given the slightest public hint of resistance.  

“Columbia is doing untold damage to its own reputation as an independent educational institution whose mission is to foster inquiry and learning. Columbia’s capitulation endangers academic freedom and campus expression nationwide.  

“Make no mistake, Trump and his MAGA movement will not be mollified – Columbia’s appeasement will only embolden them to go further.”  

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