The university’s move came after the Trump administration issued nine conditions for lifting a freeze on $400 million in federal funding. One of those demands was the adoption of the IHRA definition, which states that “denying the Jewish people their right to self-determination, e.g., by claiming that the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavour” amounts to antisemitism.

The IHRA framework has been promoted in several Western institutions, but rights groups and scholars argue it blurs the line between hatred against Jews and legitimate criticism of Israeli policies.

The adoption has drawn criticism from Columbia faculty, civil liberties groups, and members of the Jewish community. Many say the policy could chill academic freedom and student activism, especially amid heightened debate over Israel’s actions in Gaza and the broader Middle East.

Critics warn the IHRA definition could be used to censor pro-Palestinian speech or label it as hate, rather than political dissent.