Columbia Professors Challenge Trump Administration Over Academic Freedom

Columbia University professors' groups have sued the Trump administration over efforts to control campus protests and oversight of a Middle Eastern studies department. The lawsuit claims this threatens academic freedom and free speech, while the administration has justified its stance by citing antisemitic harassment concerns.

The Trump administration faces legal challenges from groups representing Columbia University professors, who allege governmental interference threatens academic freedom. The lawsuit accuses the administration of leveraging federal funding to force compliance with restrictive campus protest guidelines and appoint external oversight of a Middle Eastern studies department.

The administration claims its actions are driven by concerns over antisemitic harassment on campus, demanding academic receivership for certain departments. Critics argue the demands lack constitutional, statutory, or regulatory basis, and assert they are an attempt to punish scholars with unpopular views.

In tandem, the AAUP led a separate lawsuit to protect students from deportation for political activism, following the arrest of former student Mahmoud Khalil. The Justice Department maintains its stance to defend President Trump's agenda, citing the need to protect against antisemitism. Columbia has not publicly commented on the ongoing litigation.

(With inputs from agencies.)