Columbia University has entered into a settlement agreement with the federal government, agreeing to pay a total of $221 million. This payment is part of a deal to resolve ongoing investigations concerning the school’s campus and reinstate federal funding, as announced by the university on Wednesday.
The settlement includes a $200 million payment spread over three years to settle anti-semitism investigations and a $21 million payout to the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
University officials have emphasized that the agreement preserves Columbia’s independence in areas such as faculty hiring, admissions, and academic decision-making.
With this agreement, a significant portion of federal grants that were previously terminated or paused will be reinstated.
Acting University President Claire Shipman stated that the settlement represents a significant step forward, following a period of intense federal scrutiny and uncertainty for the institution.
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