What Trump's Withholding of Federal Funding Means for Adelphi University

By Arpan Josan 

Last month, the Trump Administration cancelled roughly $400 million in federal funding to Columbia University, citing a lack of response to antisemitism on Columbia’s campus. The move was championed by the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, a group established by President Donald Trump (upon the signing of Executive Order 14188) dedicated to rooting out antisemitism in America’s K-12 schools, as well as higher education. Universities across the United States are facing similar repercussions if they do not comply with the Trump Administration’s demands. Harvard University, for example, has had $2.2 billion of its federal funding frozen.  

Given the vital role federal funds play in supporting schools’ ability to fund projects, conduct research, offer financial aid, and support institutional operations, this is a consequential development that will have strong implications for academic freedom in the United States. It’s a situation that Dr. Sentwali Bakari, Vice President for Student Affairs and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging, said Adelphi’s administration is tracking.  

“Like all colleges and universities across the country, Adelphi is closely monitoring and responding to the ongoing changes, ensuring that we are in compliance with federal regulations while maintaining our core principles,” said Bakari. “We remain committed to providing an extraordinary academic experience in a safe and accepting environment where all have an opportunity to succeed.” Bakari explained how the administration will continue to address students' freedom of speech on campus. 

“At Adelphi University, we are deeply committed to supporting all student groups and fostering a campus environment that encourages diverse perspectives, open dialogue, and freedom of expression,” he said. “We believe that the college experience is enriched when students are empowered to engage in thoughtful, respectful conversations and activities that reflect a wide range of identities, interests and viewpoints.”

President Trump’s funding cuts threaten Adelphi’s academic freedom, sparking student fears over censored speech. Photo by The White House on Flickr

Bakari said the university is keeping a close watch on any federal guidelines and policies that come through. The executive leadership is in contact with elected officials and legal counsel to ensure Adelphi is up to date with any new information.   

Even so, with the news of various institutions losing their federal funding due to the new Trump administration, many Adelphi students are worried their freedom to express themselves may be curtailed. 

Samina Radia, a sophomore political science major, said, “Trump impacted the foundation of free speech to such a great extent that it will be challenging for college campuses to reverse the effects he caused, as he weakened the fundamental right that has been undisturbed for decades.” 

Sophomore political science and theatre minor Katrina Pedri said, "The Trump Administration's recent campus policies pose a direct threat to our First Amendment rights. Freedom of speech is a fundamental principle of American democracy and a vital part of our past, present and future.” 

Pedri continued, “Silencing college students, who will be our future civic leaders, undermines the democratic ideals on which this nation was built. While campus safety is important, these measures function more as tools of censorship than protection.” 

Professor Sarah Eltabib, the associate professor for Adelphi Plus, which provides students with a more personalized academic support, and the College of Arts and Sciences, discussed how professors can advocate for their students during these times. 

“Faculty can really just be fierce advocates for our students. It’s our purpose to be their academic advocates, but also to be their social justice advocates,” she said. “College is not just about learning about books, it’s about being part of society and participating in the community.”

Eltabib also discussed whether she observed any changes in student attitudes toward free speech and open discourse in the classroom since the new administration took office.

“I run my class differently, and I say things out of left field all the time. I'm making it a free space in a room, so I don’t allow recording at all. I tell everyone not to record, so people don’t take things out of context sometimes,” she said. “[...] But I think it depends on the group because I work with a lot of global scholar kids from overseas who have a larger world view or the honors kids who are fortunate enough to get a lot more exposure to these kinds of things. They’re not as afraid and privilege plays a role in that.”  

During this time, Bakari suggested multiple resources that students can utilize if they're uncertain or just need support. For instance, the Student Counseling Center and the Center for Psychological Services offer students free psychotherapy services.   

“At the same time, Adelphi upholds a Code of Conduct and other policies to ensure campus safety and maintain an academic environment conducive to learning,” Bakari said. “These policies apply to all students and student groups—recognized or not—and are rooted in behavior and conduct, not viewpoints or affiliations, and they are not triggered by outside threats or suggestions. Adelphi remains committed to upholding students’ First Amendment rights and fostering a campus where all voices can be heard—safely and respectfully.”