NYCLU on Trump Admin Cancelling $400 Million of Funds to Columbia University

NEW YORK, NY – Today, the Department of Justice, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, and U.S. General Services Administration announced the immediate cancellation of approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement, attributable to Executive Director Donna Lieberman:

“This move is the latest escalation by the Trump administration to coerce colleges and universities into censoring student speech and advocacy that isn’t MAGA-approved, like criticizing Israel or supporting Palestinian rights. It is unconstitutional and unprecedented, but it is entirely consistent with Trump’s long-held desire to silence views with which he disagrees and clamp down on protest.”

“Protected political speech should not be a basis of punishment, and Title VI must be applied consistently with the First Amendment. With little regard for the Constitution and case law, it is no surprise that the Trump administration prefers to see what it can get away with.”