Columbia University imposes mask ban following $400 million funding freeze
22 Mar 2025

Columbia University agreed to implement a mask ban and expand campus police powers following demands from the Trump administration, which had frozen $400 million in federal funding.

In a statement, Columbia University said, "Freedom of expression is what enables the rigorous debate and free inquiry on which our academic mission depends."

However, "demonstrations and other protest activities... present a direct impediment to maintaining our core academic mission."

University to review regional studies programs
Program review

Interim President Katrina Armstrong said they will conduct a comprehensive review of the university's regional studies programs, especially in the Middle East.

This is part of the bid to restore its federal funding after cuts ordered by the White House earlier this month.

The cuts followed complaints of antisemitism from Jewish students after pro-Palestinian protests at Columbia's New York City campus.

Campus security measures and mask ban details
Security measures

To enforce these measures, a 36-member internal security force will be empowered to remove or arrest anyone from campus.

The mask ban will have exemptions for religious and health reasons, but those taking part in protests wearing a mask will have to produce their university ID on demand.

The move has ignited a debate in academic circles over the line between government influence and academic freedom.

Columbia University aims to foster intellectual diversity
Diversity efforts

In a bid to promote "intellectual diversity," Columbia University will hire fresh faculty members at its Institute for Israel and Jewish Studies.

The university will also embrace a fresh definition of antisemitism and improve programming at its Tel Aviv Center, a research hub in Israel.

This follows after the White House branded student-led protests as antisemitic, a description many participants have denied.