Tensions remain high as universities face backlash from the Trump Administration.

On March 4, President Donald Trump posted on social media, “All Federal Funding will STOP for any College, School, or University that allows illegal protests.”

The controversy stems from the U.S.’s support for Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza. With many opposing the stance the country has taken, student-led demonstrations against the U.S.’s support for Israel have frequented university grounds.

Columbia University is currently under scrutiny for allegedly failing to prevent the “persistent harassment of Jewish students,” according to the Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism. In response to ongoing pro- Palestinian demonstrations, funding will continue to be put on pause until Columbia takes action to ensure the protection of Jewish students.

“If people wanna protest it is in their full rights to do so because they have the right to protest,” expressed Cassidy Brooks ’27. “But if protesters go too far, which I’m not sure if they did, then it’s an issue.”

The immediate cancellation of $400 million of federal aid for Columbia has sparked criticism by many who believe it is a violation of the First Amendment.

“I think it is really a dirty move to attempt to stop the voices of the common people, especially students who aren’t financially stable yet,” said Crystal Wei ’26, student parliament member. “It’s hard to believe that this is happening in a country that promises freedom of speech and bases its independence in freedom.”

Others disagree and argue that ensuring the safety of all college students should be the priority.

Revoking university funding also carries broader implications. Specifically, federal funding accounted for $1.3 billion of Columbia University’s annual operating revenue in the year 2024, according to the Columbia Daily Spectator.

Chemistry teacher and researcher Dr. Caroline Gochoco-Tsyuyuki elaborated, “Undoubtedly, the reduction of federal funds will greatly impact the good work that goes on in institutions of higher learning like Columbia. That is why they need to clean house.”

Columbia responded to the demands on March 21, pledging to implement changes.

Changes to protest regulations and the Middle East Studies Department are under revision by the institute to make “every student, faculty, and staff member safe and welcome,” according to Interim President Katrina Armstrong via email.