Sadly but not surprisingly Columbia (mostly) capitulated to Trumpolini's  diktats, although they tried to walk a tightropee on the "Academic Receivership" demand just by appointing someone to review the department's policies.  Whether that is sufficient for his Trumpness remains to be seen.  They also tiptoed around banning masks, which they only did if it was "for the purpose of hiding identity".  Medical and religious face coverings still allowed.  This renders the ban close to worthless.

Columbia doesn't want to lose the $400M in funding, which even with their endowment is a huge pill to swallow.  Just about everyone in the academic community is disappointed, but they're not the ones who will lose the money (yet).  I think they hope by giving in partially, it will satisfy Der Fuehrer, but it probably won't.  He's certain to keep going after the other schools, even if he accepts this from Columbia.  We'll have to see if Harvard has more backbone.  They definitely have more money.

It's definitely time for national level action from students and faculty.  We're going to need Vietnam era style demonstrations for this to get general attention, most people in the MAGA camp despise academia and could care less about academic freedom.  Do Gen Z students care about it?  Dunno.

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/columbia-research-takes-immediate-hit-trump-funding-cuts-2025-03-21/

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