Princeton University in the United States has had dozens of federal research funds suspended, in what is believed to be one of the latest actions taken by the Trump administration against how American universities handle incidents of anti-Semitism on campus. Prior to this, Columbia University and Harvard University have already faced similar situations.
Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber announced in a campus message on Tuesday (April 1) that the university received notifications this week of several federal agencies, including the Department of Energy, NASA, and the Department of Defense, suspending government funding to the institution.
Eisgruber mentioned that the reasons behind the suspension are not entirely clear, but Princeton University will comply with the law. The university is one of several dozen institutions under federal investigation for anti-Semitic incidents following protests in support of Palestine last year.
“We are committed to combating anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination. We will cooperate with the government in fighting anti-Semitism,” Eisgruber wrote. “Princeton will also vigorously defend academic freedom and the institution’s due process rights.”
The Trump administration has promised to take more aggressive measures to combat anti-Semitic behavior on college campuses, with a special focus on Ivy League schools.
Columbia University was the first target, with the Trump administration announcing in early March that during an investigation into anti-Semitism at the university by the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism within the Department of Justice, the university’s $400 million federal funding would be suspended.
This week, the U.S. Department of Education, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the General Services Administration (GSA) also issued a joint statement announcing that they are reviewing nearly $9 billion worth of federal contracts and funding to Harvard University.
Columbia University has complied with many of the government’s requests on various issues, but interim President Katrina Armstrong resigned under pressure from opponents.
The President of Harvard University responded later on Monday, stating that the university will collaborate with the Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism and make necessary reforms.
Princeton University is one of the 60 colleges that received a warning letter from the Department of Education in March. The letter warned that if these universities do not address the issues of anti-Semitic bias on campus, they may face federal enforcement actions.
(This article was based on reports from The Associated Press)