HHS, ED & GSA Unveil New Steps to Combat Anti-Semitic Harassment on College Campuses
Federal Agencies Launch Review of Columbia University’s Federal Contracts and Grants
Federal Agencies Launch Review of Columbia University’s Federal Contracts and Grants
WASHINGTON – The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Education (ED), and the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) have announced a thorough review of Columbia University’s federal contracts and grants. This action follows ongoing investigations into potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
Due to Columbia University’s lack of response to persistent harassment of Jewish students, the Federal Government’s Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism is considering Stop Work Orders for $51.4 million in federal contracts with the university. Additionally, the task force will conduct a comprehensive examination of more than $5 billion in federal grant commitments to Columbia to ensure compliance with federal regulations, including civil rights protections.
“Anti-Semitism—like racism—is a societal disease that has caused devastating harm throughout history,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “In recent years, the rise of censorship and false narratives in academia has allowed this dangerous ideology to spread unchecked. Ensuring America’s health means fostering communities built on trust, free speech, and open dialogue.”
This review marks the first major initiative undertaken by the multi-agency Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, established by President Trump’s Executive Order, Additional Measures to Combat Anti-Semitism.
“Jewish students have faced assaults and harassment for over a year at elite universities, and unlawful protests have disrupted campus life, denying them their right to education,” said Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “Institutions that receive federal funding have an obligation to protect all students from discrimination. Columbia’s apparent failure to meet this standard raises serious concerns about its ability to continue working with the federal government.”
The GSA has been tasked with overseeing the federal funding review, which includes an assessment of grants and contracts issued to Columbia across all government agencies.
“GSA is committed to maintaining federal acquisition standards and ensuring that government contracts align with the nation’s values, including the fight against anti-Semitism,” said Josh Gruenbaum, Commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) and Task Force Member. “By working across agencies, we are sending a clear message to higher education institutions: anti-Semitism will not be tolerated under President Trump’s Executive Order.”
At this time, no immediate contracting actions have been taken.
For further details, please refer to the official announcement on the formation of the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism.
About GSA: The General Services Administration (GSA) provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. Managing a national real estate portfolio of over 360 million rentable square feet, GSA oversees more than $110 billion in federal contracts for products and services and delivers essential technology services to federal agencies. The agency is dedicated to enhancing efficiency and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services for the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow @USGSA.
