(NEW YORK)— The Trump administration this week sent a letter to Columbia University, as part of its ongoing threat to cut federal research funds. The letter requires Columbia to take certain measures, including reforming their disciplinary and admissions process, formalizing its definition of antisemitism, and taking away the independence of the Department of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African Studies, or risk federal funding.
In response, Kristen Shahverdian, PEN America’s program director for Campus Free Speech, issued the following statement:
“The Trump administration’s letter demanding Columbia University change an array of policies represents an unprecedented assault on free speech, academic freedom and institutional autonomy. The administration claims that these are measures designed to address antisemitism, but they are clearly intended to crack down on pro-Palestinian and other disfavored speech, through bullying and intimidation. Columbia has been chosen as the test case, but the government is targeting all of higher education and putting them on notice– ‘we are coming for your curriculum, your programs, your students.’ Now is the time for Columbia to stand firm and refuse to let the Trump administration dismantle universities. Anything else would be a craven dereliction of the role of the university in sustaining democracy.”
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Malka Margolies, mmargolies@pen.org