AAUP and AFT Sue Trump Administration Over Columbia University Funding

Columbia University Faces Federal Funding Cuts Amidst Allegations of Coercion

The faculty and national labor unions claim that the Trump administration improperly withdrew federal funding from Columbia University to enforce speech restrictions on campus, impacting essential scientific research and academic dialogue.

NEW YORK– In a recent development, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration. The contention revolves around the administration's decision to cut $400 million in federal funding directed towards pivotal public health research at Columbia University, allegedly to pressure the institution into adopting restrictive speech codes. This move marks a significant shift in tactics, as it utilizes funding cuts to influence a private university's academic policies.

The lawsuit, representing Columbia University faculty members from various disciplines, argues that this action not only threatens academic freedom but also halts critical scientific research benefiting all Americans. The funding in question supported studies on pressing health concerns such as Alzheimer's disease prevention, fetal health in pregnant women, and cancer research.

The Trump administration's demands and the potential for similar actions against 60 other universities have reportedly led to a climate of uncertainty and fear on campuses nationwide. While the administration justifies its actions as a measure against antisemitism, the plaintiffs argue that it has neglected Title VI requirements, which are intended to prevent excessive government control over funding recipients. The complaint also asserts that the funding cancellation infringes on the First Amendment and other constitutional principles.

“The Trump administration’s threats and coercion at Columbia are part of a clear authoritarian playbook meant to crush academic freedom and critical research in American higher education. Faculty, students, and the American public will not stand for it. The repercussions extend far beyond the walls of the academy. Our constitutional rights, and the opportunity for our children and grandchildren to live in a democracy are on the line,” stated Todd Wolfson, president of the AAUP.

“President Trump has taken a hatchet to American ingenuity, imagination and invention at Columbia to attack academic freedom and force compliance with his political views,” commented AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Let’s be clear: the administration should tackle legitimate issues of discrimination. But this modern-day McCarthyism is not just an illegal attack on our nation’s deeply held free speech and due process rights, it creates a chilling effect that hinders the pursuit of knowledge—the core purpose of our colleges and universities. Today, we reject this bullying and resolve to challenge the administration’s edicts until they are rescinded.”

Reinhold Martin, president of Columbia-AAUP and professor of architecture, noted, “We’re seeing university leadership across the country failing to take any action to counter the Trump administration’s unlawful assault on academic freedom. As faculty, we don’t have the luxury of inaction. The integrity of civic discourse and the freedoms that form the basis of a democratic society are under attack. We have to stand up.”

The lawsuit suggests that the administration's actions are part of a broader strategy to gain control over higher education by threatening punitive measures against dissenting institutions. The Trump administration has allegedly discussed intentions to financially cripple universities that do not conform to its stipulations.

Universities have long been pivotal to advancements in areas like technology, national security, and healthcare. The withdrawal of research funding poses a threat to the well-being and security of the nation.

“Columbia is the testing ground for the Trump administration’s tactic to force universities to yield to its control,” explained Orion Danjuma, counsel at Protect Democracy. “We are bringing this lawsuit to protect higher education from unlawful government censorship and political repression.”

The lawsuit was filed in the Southern District of New York, naming various government agencies as defendants, including the Department of Justice, Department of Education, Health and Human Services, and General Services Administration. Legal representation for the plaintiffs is provided by Protect Democracy and Altshuler Berzon LLP.

The full complaint can be accessed here.

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