New York, N.Y. — Columbia University has announced it will lay off 180 staff members due to funding cuts tied to federal grants, a decision reflecting ongoing tensions with the Trump administration. The university was hit with a $400 million reduction in federal support after accusations that it failed to adequately address harassment of Jewish students, prompting a reevaluation of its federal funding partnerships.

In response to the funding cuts announced in March, the university administration has indicated it is taking a multi-faceted approach to address the situation. This involves not only efforts to reestablish its relationships with federal agencies but also making challenging financial decisions, including workforce reductions.

University officials stated that the layoffs primarily involve staff engaged in work connected to the affected federal grants, which account for approximately 20% of the university’s grant-funded employees. This action was communicated in a letter signed by acting President Claire Shipman and Provost Angela V. Olinto, expressing the difficult but necessary steps being taken in light of the financial strain.

Significant adjustments are anticipated within the affected departments, with plans to reduce activities and streamline research infrastructure, resulting in lighter operational footprints across various units. The leadership emphasized their commitment to innovation and research despite the financial setback and reiterated the importance of these endeavors to the university’s mission.

The cuts drew immediate backlash from the Columbia community. A recent protest involving students, faculty, and alumni was organized to voice opposition to the university’s compliance with federal demands. Participants in the rally expressed concerns over potential impacts on academic freedom and research integrity.

David Guirgis, a student who participated in the protest, criticized the administration for capitulating to what he termed an “all-out attack on science and academic freedom.” He highlighted the university’s prominence in various fields, suggesting that the funding cuts were politically motivated rather than based on substantive academic issues.

Despite the challenges, university officials conveyed that they are striving to maintain financial stability across other non-federally funded sectors. They plan to implement measures such as salary freezes, workforce attrition programs, and a voluntary retirement incentive program to safeguard long-term financial health.

As the university navigates this uncertain landscape, officials acknowledged that the road ahead will involve continued tough choices. They expressed a commitment to adapting to ongoing changes in higher education, ensuring that Columbia can re-establish its critical funding streams while remaining dedicated to its scholarly mission.

The White House has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the funding cuts. As discussions continue, the implications of these developments for Columbia’s academic community and potential future federal relations remain to be seen.