Columbia University has agreed to a series of government demands in order to restore $400 million in federal funding, sparking a national debate on academic freedom. The decision is seen as submitting to political pressure by some professors, while conservative critics view it as a necessary correction for higher education. The implications of the deal could extend beyond Columbia's campus, with other universities preparing for similar scrutiny. The Trump administration has not yet clarified what further conditions it may impose on Columbia or other institutions. The move has raised concerns about the administration's use of federal funding as a tool of enforcement.