Columbia cuts 180 employees funded by federal grants revoked by the Trump administration

Columbia University announced Tuesday that the university has ruled 180 staff members who have been granted federal grants to the Trump administration’s decision to revoke the university’s funding.

The government cut $400 million in federal funds from Colombia in March, accusing “inaction in the face of ongoing harassment from Jewish students.” It then released a list of requests to the university to begin negotiations on the recovery funds.

These requirements include banning students from wearing masks during protests, hiring campus security personnel who can arrest students, and appointing a new senior vice provost to oversee Middle East, South Asia and Africa studies.

In a letter from top Colombia officials, the move to lay off more than 100 employees, including acting President Claire Shipman and provost Angela V. Olinto. Officials said in the letter that the university “engages two efforts related to grants terminated by the federal government”, which included restoring partnerships with government agencies and adjusting or reducing spending during that period.

“Colombia’s leadership continues to discuss with the federal government to support the recovery activities of these research awards and other awards that are still active but unpaid,” the letter reads. “We are working hard and planning for each situation, but at the same time, the pressure on both financially and on our research missions is strong.”

University officials said 180 employees “worked in whole or in part, affected federal grants” were notified Tuesday of termination or no renewal due to financial pressure. According to officials, they represent 20% of employees funded by grants funded by the Trump administration.

Additionally, due to financial pressure, some schools and departments will gradually reduce activities, and research infrastructure “will be on the lighter footprint.”

“We won't make these decisions easily,” said senior official. “In Colombia, we are very committed to the key work of invention, innovation and discovery.”

Last week, hundreds of Columbia students, faculty and alumni launched a 25-hour “voice” to criticize school leaders for succumbing to the Trump administration’s demands after receiving millions of federal funds.

David Guirgis, a student attending the rally, called the government's cuts “a full-scale attack on scientific and academic freedom.”

“We are pioneers in biomedical research, legal research and environmental science, and all of this is simply because the Trump administration has a hatred for universities,” he told NBC News.

Officials said in the letter that Colombia “will continue to make prudent budget decisions even in areas not affected by federally funded research” to ensure the university’s long-term financial stability.

“In the coming weeks and months, we will need to continue to take action to preserve our financial flexibility and allow us to invest in areas that drive us forward,” officials said. “This is a challenging time in all higher education, and we are trying to browse huge ambiguity with precise precision, which can sometimes be imperfect.”

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.