Columbia University alumni made a bold statement this weekend by ripping up their diplomas during graduation ceremonies. They protested the school’s decision to work with the Trump administration to restore federal funding. The administration had cut $400 million over claims Columbia failed to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian protests.
To get the money back, Columbia agreed to strict new rules. These include banning face masks at protests, letting security officers arrest unruly students, and shutting down campus groups linked to Hamas. Critics say the school caved to political pressure instead of standing up for free speech.
The university’s interim president stepped down after backlash over the deal. Board member Claire Shipman, a former TV journalist, took over. Some faculty accused the old leadership of lying about how much they’d compromise with Washington.
Federal agents recently arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian student leader. ICE claims he supported Hamas activities. Other immigrant students face deportation for joining protests. The crackdown has sparked fear among pro-Palestinian groups on campus.
Last year’s protests turned violent, with masked agitators damaging property and harassing Jewish students. Columbia hired 36 new security officers to arrest troublemakers. They also banned face coverings to stop outsiders from causing chaos.
Jewish students say they’ve felt unsafe as protesters chanted anti-Israel slogans. Donors pulled funding, and some families sued Columbia for letting demonstrators spread Hamas propaganda. The school now faces lawsuits over claims it ignored antisemitism.
Applications to Columbia dropped sharply this year. Many students turned down admission offers, saying they couldn’t support a school that punishes conservatives but caves to radical protesters. Others worry federal funding cuts will hurt education quality.
Conservatives praised the Trump administration for forcing Columbia to restore order. They argue universities should focus on education, not politics. Letting protesters disrupt campuses hurts all students. Strong leadership, not weak deals, is needed to protect free speech and safety.
