The Trump administration has issued a bold ultimatum to Columbia University, demanding significant changes to its policies or face the permanent loss of federal funding. The administration insists on placing the Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies Department under academic receivership for at least five years, banning masks that conceal identities or intimidate others, adopting a new definition of antisemitism, revamping student discipline processes, and reforming admissions practices.

This move by federal officials is portrayed as a prerequisite for initiating formal discussions on the university’s financial ties with the government. Notably, the letter lacks clarification on why the targeted department and policies were singled out or the specifics of the proposed “receivership” process. In a parallel effort, the Education Department disclosed investigations into over 50 universities, citing allegations of racial discrimination.

Simultaneously, immigration authorities have intensified actions against students, exemplified by the arrest of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil following protests at Columbia. The university, responding to Department of Homeland Security searches on campus residences, expressed dismay at the incidents. Faculty members and free speech advocates have condemned the ultimatum, emphasizing concerns over governmental interference in academic autonomy.

The letter’s demands have sparked immediate opposition, with Columbia professor Joseph Howley criticizing the government’s intrusive approach and highlighting the potential erosion of academic freedom if such interventions become normalized. The university’s response to the administration’s directive remains pending amidst the escalating tensions between academic institutions and federal authorities.