Trump administration moves to impose federal oversight on Columbia University
The Trump administration is preparing to take an extraordinary legal step to enforce changes at Columbia University by seeking a consent decree, a move that would install long-term federal oversight at the Ivy League institution. As reported by the National Review, this proposed arrangement is intended to ensure that the university complies with federal directives aimed at combating antisemitism on campus.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the administration wants the university to enter into a legally binding agreement, monitored by a federal judge, which would require Columbia to implement and maintain specific policy changes. If a judge finds the university out of compliance, Columbia could be held in contempt of court and face penalties, including monetary fines.
Federal response to antisemitism on campus
The effort to pursue a consent decree follows a growing concern from federal officials over antisemitic incidents linked to anti-Israel protests at Columbia. These demonstrations intensified following Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, and the university has since become a flashpoint for campus unrest, according to the National Review. Notably, one student protester, Mahmoud Khalil, is at the center of a legal case regarding potential deportation over pro-Hamas rhetoric.
The Trump administration’s joint antisemitism task force withdrew more than $400 million in federal grants and contracts from Columbia, citing the university’s failure to properly address antisemitic harassment. As quoted by the National Review, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said the university is “on the right track” to restoring those funds. However, the administration warned that additional funding could be revoked if Columbia fails to meet expectations.
Legal measures typically reserved for civil rights cases
A consent decree of this nature is rarely used for universities and is more commonly associated with law enforcement agencies found to have committed civil rights violations. As reported by the National Review, similar arrangements were made by the Biden administration with Brown University and Rutgers University to settle civil rights complaints related to antisemitism.
Entering into a consent decree would require the university’s voluntary participation and a formal lawsuit by either party. Once in place, it could last for years and would legally bind Columbia to enact and sustain policy reforms, including measures already introduced—such as the appointment of a new supervisor for its Middle Eastern studies program and a campus-wide ban on identity-concealing masks.
Columbia has not confirmed whether it will agree to such a decree but stated it remains in active discussions with the federal government to restore its critical research funding, according to the National Review.
