The renowned Ivy League college Columbia University faces harsh backlash and criticism for “succumbing to” Trump’s Administration. 

On March 7, 2025 Trump’s administration officially cancelled $400 million in federal funding to renowned Ivy League college, Columbia University. This was due to the university’s lack of acknowledgement of acts of antisemitism on their campus. 

At this time, the uproar of the Palestine and Israel conflict left students extremely divided. Students of Columbia University were receiving mass social media recognition from their open protests, encampment, and public opinions. The collective sentiment of the university’s students were regarded as inspiring, powerful, but most importantly controversial. 

An anonymous Bethpage student commented, “I think it’s good that people are protesting for what they believe in. It was definitely controversial but that’s what makes them stand out.”

Another anonymous Bethpage student commented, “When violence plays into the protests, I think students should be smart about how their actions affect their surroundings. I do think that the protests are powerful because they are able to stand up for a cause.” 

In response to the outburst of protests, Columbia University quickly addressed the acts of antisemitism with disciplinary measures against Pro-Palestinian protests by threatening interim suspensions and expulsions. 

Now, due to the lack of the $400 million in funding, which would have primarily been used for research facilities and funding faculties, Columbia University faces accusations due to their passive and compliant response. Currently, the university struggles while making concessions such as enforcing harsher disciplinary policies, rules for posting, and laying off close to 180 staff members. 

Another anonymous Bethpage student commented, “This isn’t the first time Columbia University received recognition for protests… like for the Vietnam War too. It’s like history is repeating itself.”