△ Columbia University (Archive Photo)
On August 1st, local time, it was learned that Columbia University and the White House reached a $221 million settlement agreement, agreeing to assist the federal government in strengthening its oversight of international students.
The agreement stipulates that the university will report minor violations such as illegal entry, and students involved may face federal investigation. This move has raised concerns about the situation of international students and the sources of revenue for schools.
Against this backdrop of a new round of Israeli-Palestinian conflict, several American universities, including Columbia, sparked campus protests last year against Israel’s military operations in the Gaza Strip, supporting Palestine, and calling for a ceasefire. Since Trump took office in January, the U.S. government has required top domestic universities to adjust their policies, eradicate anti-Semitism, and eliminate preferential admission policies towards minority groups. Failing to make these adjustments could lead to cuts in funding.
In March, the Trump administration withdrew $400 million in federal funding from Columbia. The university made concessions weeks later, agreeing to implement some reforms as required by the government. Affected by the withdrawal of federal funding, Columbia announced in May the resignation of nearly 180 employees.
(Liu Xiaoqian)