A coalition of university professors and educators has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging its efforts to reshape governance at Columbia University by threatening to withhold federal funding. The American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) initiated the legal action against multiple government agencies, including the Departments of Justice, Education, and Health and Human Services, after the administration cut $400 million in federal funds to the Ivy League institution earlier this month.
The lawsuit follows Columbia’s recent decision to comply with many of the administration’s demands to overhaul faculty governance and student disciplinary policies, a move that has sparked widespread protests and raised concerns about academic freedom and free speech. The government has accused Columbia of failing to address antisemitism on campus, warning that future funding could be at risk if it does not implement reforms swiftly.
Todd Wolfson, president of the AAUP, described the administration’s actions as “part of a clear authoritarian playbook meant to crush academic freedom and critical research in American higher education.” The lawsuit argues that the federal government is unlawfully coercing Columbia by withholding congressionally approved funding, which plays a critical role in maintaining the university’s leadership in scientific, medical, and technological research.
The legal challenge comes amid broader concerns over the administration’s actions targeting higher education institutions. In recent weeks, the government has also faced lawsuits over the cancellation of federal grants tied to DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives), as well as reductions in research funding from the National Institutes of Health.
Despite Columbia’s concessions, the administration has not reversed its funding cuts. In a letter on Monday, Josh Gruenbaum, a member of the administration’s task force on antisemitism, acknowledged the university’s recent policy changes but insisted that institutions under federal investigation must demonstrate continued commitment to combating antisemitism or face similar consequences.
The Department of Justice is currently investigating 10 universities for alleged failures to address antisemitism, while the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights is reviewing 60 institutions. Additionally, the University of Pennsylvania has been notified of potential funding cuts tied to policies regarding transgender student participation in women’s sports, though it has yet to receive formal action.
