Columbia adopts controversial definition of antisemitism amid federal grants freeze

University announces move as it tries to restore $400m in funds frozen over alleged failure to protect Jewish students

Columbia University has agreed to adopt a controversial definition of antisemitism as it pursues an agreement with the Trump aimed at restoring $400m in federal government grants frozen over its alleged failure to protect Jewish students.

In a letter to students and staff, the university's acting president, Claire Shipman, said it would incorporate the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism into its anti-discrimination policies as part of a broad overhaul.