Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, INDUSTRY NEWS, TRENDS—Columbia University settles discrimination allegations, regains federal grant funding, (Jul 24, 2025)

By Patricia K. Ruiz, J.D.

The agreement preserves the university’s autonomy and authority over faculty hiring, admissions, and academic decision-making.

Columbia University has agreed to pay the U.S. government $200 million over three years to resolve multiple investigations into alleged violations of federal anti-discrimination laws. Columbia has also agreed to pay $21 million to settle investigations by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). As a result of the settlements, a majority of federal grants terminated or paused in March 2025 will be reinstated, and the university’s access to current and future federal grants will be restored.

Restoration of grant funds. The agreement provides for the reinstatement of the majority of grants previously terminated by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Health and Human Services, renewal of non-competitive grants, the release of overdue payments on active, non-terminated grants, and Columbia’s restored eligibility to apply for new federal research funding. The funding that was not restored reflects broader reductions by the government in certain research areas and is not related to the discrimination allegations.

Reforms. Through the agreement, Columbia has codified a set of reforms the university previously announced publicly, including enhancements to campus safety, changes to disciplinary processes, and renewed efforts to foster an inclusive and respectful learning environment. The agreement builds on Columbia’s commitment to combating antisemitism, and while the university does not admit wrongdoing, Columbia’s leaders have repeatedly recognized that Jewish students and faculty have experienced painful, unacceptable incidents such that reform was and is needed.

Monitoring. Columbia will provide regular reports to a jointly-selected independent monitor and will document its adherence to the agreement, as well as its continued compliance with applicable federal law and regulation pertaining to admissions, hiring, and international students.

“This agreement marks an important step forward after a period of sustained federal scrutiny and institutional uncertainty,” said Acting University President Claire Shipman. “The settlement was carefully crafted to protect the values that define us and allow our essential research partnership with the federal government to get back on track. Importantly, it safeguards our independence, a critical condition for academic excellence and scholarly exploration, work that is vital to the public interest.”

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