Columbia University Pushes Back on Trump Deal in Dramatic Shift, Vows to Protect Independence

Sanjay Sharma | 16 April 2025 | The Times of India

In a marked shift signaling rising tensions between academia and the federal government, Columbia University has taken a firm public stance against what it views as overreach from the Trump administration. In a strongly worded message late Monday, Acting President Claire Shipman pledged that the university would reject any agreement with federal authorities that compromises its independence or undermines academic freedom.

The declaration comes as negotiations continue between Columbia and the White House, which seeks to place the university under judicial oversight. As reported by The New York Times, the administration's demands follow Columbia's earlier reluctance to oppose federal interference position that had drawn sharp criticism from members of the academic community and beyond…

Click here to read the complete article