The Trump administration has revoked more than $400 million in federal research funding.
Columbia University announced Tuesday that it would fire nearly 180 staff after the Trump administration cancelled more than $400 million in federal research funding, the Columbia president’s office said in a May 6 statement.
The layoffs, which account for around 20% of university employees funded by now-terminated federal grants, are as Columbia is working on its decision to cancel U.S. Department of Education grants and contracts.
The department allegedly suspected the university had not properly addressed persistent anti-Semitism on campus as a reason for its withdrawal.
“In our entire research portfolio, we had to make difficult choices. Unfortunately, today, almost 180 of our colleagues working in the entire or partial federal grants will receive notifications of non-renewal or termination,” the statement read.
The university said it is making two efforts in response to the funding crisis. First, we are working to restore partnerships with federal agencies supporting critical research. Second, he asked the dean and the principal investigator to prioritize research activities and develop plans to manage projects affected by the loss of federal support.
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During the review period, Columbia continued to pay salaries and salaries to those whose compensation was covered by the grants where it was fired, according to a press release.
Columbia’s leadership said it is continuing discussions with federal officials in the hopes of reopening activities with cancelled research awards and other projects that remain unpaid.
They said financial tensions are “severe” and that universities are being forced to reduce spending in some areas and reduce research infrastructure. According to the university, some departments are now closed if funds recover, but are ready to reestablish capabilities if funds recover.
The revocation of funding follows President Donald Trump’s executive order 14,188, signed January 29th. This instructs federal agencies to indict and take responsibility for those accused of anti-Semitic harassment and violence on university campuses.
The Ministry of Education has launched a survey of several universities, including Colombia. There, “a widespread anti-Semitic harassment has been reported.”
The Joint Task Force to Fight Anti-Semitism, including the Department of Justice, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the Department of Education, Education and General Services, is considering compliance with Colombia’s federal regulations, particularly under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
In response to the crisis, Colombia has established the Research Stabilization Fund to reduce the risk of future funding and support its scientific community. The fund provides internal grants to scientists seeking alternative sources of funding and completing research for publication. According to a press release, the university will also provide funding to support graduate students and fellow postdocs affected by the loss of federal training grants.
“We are grateful for the extraordinary leadership and professionalism of the deans, chairs and senior management who came together to navigate this important moment with care and integrity.
The university warned that further action may be needed in the coming months to maintain financial flexibility and invest in key areas.
