Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: One was killed, another injured in a raid by an Israeli drone on the city of Khiam in South Lebanon
London views possibility of setting fire to tanker in port of friendly country to Russia to damage port infrastructure, initiate an international probe: Moscow
One of London's scenarios involves setting up accident with 'undesirable' tanker in one of the bottlenecks of maritime communications: Russian foreign intelligence agency
London plans to organize major sabotage with tankers to declare transportation of Russian oil to international shipping: Russian foreign intelligence agency
UK intelligence agencies plan to use NATO allies to launch massive raid on 'Shadow Fleet': Russian foreign intelligence agency
Palestinian Ministry of Health: Two were martyred in Israeli shelling that targeted a besieged house in the town of Qabatiya in Jenin
At least 68 dead in migrant shipwreck off Yemen: IOM
Trump: We want to feed the people in Gaza, we do not want them to starve.
US President Donald Trump: We will impose sanctions on Russia if it does not end the war on Ukraine.
Israeli media: Polls show that 52% oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while only 29% support him.

Federal oversight threat looms over Columbia Uni. amid crackdown: WSJ

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: The Wall Street Journal
  • 6 May 2025 13:16
4 Min Read

Columbia University is in talks with Trump over a proposed consent decree that could place the institution under federal judicial oversight.

Listen
  • x
  • Pro-Palestine demonstrators protest outside the Columbia University campus on the Day of Action for Higher Education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in New York. (AP )
    Pro-Palestine demonstrators protest outside the Columbia University campus on the Day of Action for Higher Education, Thursday, April 17, 2025, in New York (AP)

The Trump administration is seeking to place Columbia University under federal oversight through a proposed consent decree, which would involve a judge monitoring the university’s compliance with federal directives, The Wall Street Journal reported. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report states that negotiations are currently underway, though Columbia’s board has yet to decide on whether to accept the proposal.

The proposed decree would mark a significant departure from typical federal actions regarding educational institutions. Unlike voluntary agreements, a consent decree is a binding legal mechanism, overseen by a federal judge. Acceptance would require Columbia’s formal approval, and rejection could lead to a protracted legal conflict.

Federal officials have reportedly given Columbia two options: accept the consent decree or prepare for a legal battle that could expose the institution to greater scrutiny and a potentially harsher court-imposed outcome.

Trump administration’s broader clash with elite universities

This move comes amid a broader standoff between the Trump administration and elite academic institutions. Columbia drew federal attention in March when the administration suspended $400 million in grants and contracts, citing concerns over alleged campus antisemitism. The university initially agreed to a list of federal demands, but discussions have since expanded to include future access to federal funding.

The administration is reportedly demanding reforms that would end race-based admissions and promote greater viewpoint diversity among faculty members.

Harvard University is also facing a similar federal challenge, highlighting the administration’s growing tension with prominent educational institutions.

Related News

Putin open to meeting Zelensky pending expert-level talks: Peskov

Pro-'Israel' Democrats breaking with Netanyahu amid Gaza war

A spokesperson for Columbia University dismissed The Wall Street Journal's report, saying, “This story is based entirely on hearsay and does not hold merit.” She referred to a previous statement from acting university president Claire Shipman, who asserted that Columbia “would reject any agreement that would require relinquishing its independence.”

Should Columbia contest the proposed consent decree, the Department of Justice would be tasked with proving its necessity in court. Legal experts note that such proceedings could span years and place the university at risk of losing federal funding and facing extensive legal discovery that could heighten public scrutiny of internal affairs.

Legal experts warn of precedent in civil rights enforcement

The application of a consent decree in the context of civil rights in education would mark a major shift in federal policy, as per the report. Historically, the government has resolved such issues through voluntary agreements following investigations, agreements that lack judicial enforcement.

The Biden administration, by contrast, has used voluntary settlements to address antisemitism allegations at universities such as Brown and Rutgers.

Consent decrees have been more common in other domains, such as corporate regulation and police reform. Notably, during the Obama administration, they were frequently used to implement structural changes in law enforcement agencies across various cities.

Crackdown on universities expands under Trump’s 2024 campaign

Trump’s broader campaign against universities has focused on accusations of unchecked anti-Semitism, particularly in the wake of nationwide protests over the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza. The administration has linked such protests to alleged support for Hamas and used that framing to justify sweeping crackdowns.

The measures include freezing funds, threatening universities' tax-exempt status (like Harvard's), and investigating diversity programs intended to rectify systemic inequalities. Trump officials claim such initiatives discriminate against non-minority applicants and reinforce ideological bias.

Visa threats, diversity programs under fire in broader purge

Foreign students have also come under increased scrutiny. The administration has taken steps to revoke visas and deport international students who took part in protests in support of Gaza. This has raised alarms among civil liberties organizations and academic freedom advocates.

Last week, Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi was released from federal immigration custody. A US judge ruled last Wednesday that Mahdawi could not be deported while he challenges the Trump administration’s attempt to remove him over his pro-Palestine activism.

Critics warn that the administration’s actions represent a coordinated assault on higher education, aimed at reshaping universities to align with the political goals of the White House. Academic leaders across the country have voiced concern that such policies risk undermining the autonomy and intellectual diversity of US institutions.

  • United States
  • pro-Palestine protest
  • Freedom of Speech
  • federal judicial oversight
  • Columbia University

Most Read

A rescued crew member from the ETERNITY C vessel in a video released by the Yemeni Armed Forces on July 28, 2025 (Yemeni Military Media)

Yemen Navy reveals fate of targeted Eternity C ship crew

  • Politics
  • 28 Jul 2025
An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
A member of the al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, takes part in a parade as he celebrates a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli regime in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Sunday, January 19, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Al-Qassam: We’ll allow aid to Israeli captives if Gaza siege ends

Freed Lebanese freedom fighter Georges Abdallah during an interview on Al Mayadeen, which aired on Sunday, August 3, 2025 (Al Mayadeen screengrab)
Politics

Exclusive: Resistance key to building state, Georges Abdallah says

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres gives a statement about the situation in Gaza at UN headquarters, Friday, June 27, 2025 (AP)
Politics

UN warns Gaza faces water crisis, looming famine under Israeli siege

Israeli soldiers drive their armored personnel carrier along the Gaza Strip, in southern occupied Palestine, Wednesday, July 30, 2025 (AP)
Politics

Ex-Israeli general says Gaza starvation campaign isolated 'Israel'

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS