Columbia faculty to detail new lawsuit against Trump administration to restore funding
MORNINIGSIDE HEIGHTS, Manhattan (WABC) -- Fall out surrounding funding for Columbia University continues as the Ivy League school finds itself now caught between opposing sides after agreeing to sweeping policy changes made by the Trump administration to address antisemitism on campus.
Now, both student groups and professors are pushing back, arguing the move violates their First Amendment rights.
A new lawsuit filed by Columbia faculty calls for $400 million in federal funds, which was rescinded by President Donald Trump, to be restored.
The lawsuit, brought by the Faculty Members' Union in Manhattan, also calls for more changes to university policies.
It also accuses several agencies of ignoring the legally required process to terminate funding.
Instead, the suit alleges the federal government revoked contracts and threatened to cancel more to bully Columbia into giving into their demands.
Meanwhile, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's attempt to detain and deport 21-year-old Columbia student Yunseo Chung.
Her lawyers say she sued President Trump and members of his administration claiming he was holding the threat of deportation over her to ensure she stays quiet.
Chung, who has been here legally and permanently since the age of 7, was arrested during a protest over the treatment of Palestinians at Barnard College.
Her lawsuit will play out but she will not have to hide out after Tuesday's ruling.
Chung's lawyers have shared a statement from her regarding the temporary restraining order.
"After the constant dread in the back of my mind over the past few weeks, this decision feels like a million pounds off of my chest. I feel like I could fly. I'm so, so grateful to my legal team and my community of professors, students, and staff at Columbia that have given me strength at every turn," the statement said.
Faculty members were expected to speak out Wednesday afternoon following their lawsuit challenging the Trump administration saying the $400 million in federal funding stripped from the school, was unconstitutional.
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