The Administration says that on March 3, the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, which is comprised of components from each of the federal agencies, notified Columbia's administration that "that it would conduct a comprehensive review of the university's federal contracts and grants in light of ongoing investigations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act," according to a press release.
At the start of the Israel and Hamas conflict, Columbia was a hotbed of protests that would often turn violent with at least one building being overtaken by demonstrators.
Columbia, according to the Administration holds about $5 billion in federal grant and contracts.
"Freezing the funds is one of the tools we are using to respond to this spike in anti-Semitism. This is only the beginning," said Leo Terrell, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights and head of the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism. "Cancelling these taxpayer funds is our strongest signal yet that the Federal Government is not going to be party to an educational institution like Columbia that does not protect Jewish students and staff."
In a statement, a university spokesperson said the school said it was reviewing the announcement and would work to restore the funding.
"We take Columbia's legal obligations seriously and understand how serious this announcement is and are committed to combatting antisemitism and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff," the statement said.
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* More New York City news
* Send us a news tip
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Follow us on YouTube