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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Columbia University’s $200 million-plus discrimination settlement with the Trump administration is paving the way for a culture of accountability, Education Secretary Linda McMahon shared in an interview.
President Donald Trump’s administration is hailing what it views as a “historic settlement” with the university that has been at the center of protests against the war in Gaza following Hamas’ attacks on Israel.
“I’m very pleased that we were able to bring those negotiations to a close and have an excellent working agreement now with Columbia. They knew they had an issue with antisemitism,” McMahon said ahead of her remarks at the National Governors Association (NGA) Summer Meeting in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The settlement not only addresses antisemitism on college campuses, it also aims to eliminate discriminatory hiring practices and improve campus safety, the education secretary explained.
“This agreement is going to be an excellent model for other universities to utilize as well,” McMahon said.
Several Jewish leaders have spoken about the concerns they have regarding the “existential threat” Jewish New Yorkers are facing since socialist Zohran Mamdani became the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City. During the primary campaign, Mamdani’s failure to condemn certain phrases triggered accusations of antisemitism. However, he has since clarified his stance and commitment to combatting antisemitism.
Yuval David, a Jewish advocate and advisor, expressed concerns that Mamdani, if elected, could empower antisemitic protesters.
In light of the Columbia University settlement, McMahon was asked if the Trump administration was worried about a rise in antisemitism on New York City college campuses if Mamdani wins the election in November.
“We didn’t consider that as part of our discussions. We weren’t focused on specific incidents that may happen in the future,” McMahon explained.
But McMahon emphasized that the most important aspect of the settlement is that it will “establish a foundation, so that regardless of any future incidents, you are prepared for them.”
McMahon highlighted that Columbia now has a strong partnership with the New York Police Department (NYPD). The settlement includes Columbia’s commitment to enforcing strict rules against disruptive protests, prohibiting masked protests, and maintaining security measures in collaboration with the NYPD.
“They will not hesitate to take action, including making arrests,” McMahon cautioned. “There will be consequences. People may face expulsion, suspension, or even jail time if involved in criminal activities.
“The accountability aspect of this agreement is very robust, and the message we want to convey is that students on campus should be in an environment conducive to learning.”
