Teachers union sues Trump admin after Columbia caves to funding threat
The Trump administration is facing a new lawsuit over its threat to withhold federal funding from Columbia University. The lawsuit, filed by the American Federation of Teachers and the American Association of University Professors, argues that the administration is attempting to exert control over higher education.
According to the lawsuit, the Trump administration is unlawfully trying to influence the academic autonomy of Columbia University by using the threat of withholding federal funding. The lawsuit claims that this action is an unprecedented effort to regulate speech and expression on campus.
The lawsuit comes after Columbia University agreed to make significant changes to its policies regarding student protests and conduct a review of its Middle Eastern studies department. The Trump administration had threatened to withhold $400 million in funding if these changes were not made.
As part of the agreement, Columbia University has banned masks for concealing identity, empowered campus police officers with new arrest powers, and appointed a senior vice provost to oversee the Middle East, South Asian, and African Studies department, as well as the Center for Palestine Studies.
While Columbia University has agreed to these changes, sources familiar with the negotiations have stated that meeting the demands does not guarantee the reinstatement of the $400 million in funding. It is seen as a precondition to opening further discussions.
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York, seeks to force the Trump administration to reinstate all grants and contracts to Columbia University. It also calls for a prohibition on further funding cuts and requests damages for the plaintiffs.
In conclusion, the lawsuit against the Trump administration’s actions towards Columbia University highlights the ongoing battle over academic autonomy and freedom of expression on college campuses. The outcome of this legal challenge will have significant implications for the future of federal funding for universities and the protection of academic freedom.
