Title: Russell Berrie Foundation Suspends Giving to Columbia University Over Israel-Hamas War Protests
In a bold move, the Russell Berrie Foundation, a major donor to Columbia University, has suspended its giving to the institution following months of campus protests surrounding the Israel-Hamas war. The foundation, which has donated millions to Columbia over the years, expressed concerns about creating a tolerant and secure environment for Jewish members of the university community.
Angelica Berrie, the president of the foundation’s board, sent a warning to Columbia’s president, Nemat Shafik, stating that future giving would depend on evidence of appropriate steps being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of Jewish students on campus. The foundation’s decision to pause its funding could potentially cost Columbia tens of millions of dollars in the coming years.
The turmoil at Columbia, fueled by public demands and protests, has put pressure on university administrators to address concerns from donors like the Russell Berrie Foundation. Other prominent donors, including Barry Sternlicht and Robert K. Kraft, have also expressed reservations about future gifts to universities in light of recent events.
The foundation’s decision to suspend giving reflects a growing trend among donors to hold universities accountable for creating inclusive and safe environments for all students. While the foundation’s giving has historically been tied to Israel and Jewish causes, the recent protests at Columbia have raised concerns about the university’s commitment to diversity and tolerance.
As Columbia grapples with the fallout from the foundation’s decision, university officials have expressed gratitude for the foundation’s past support and have pledged to take concrete actions to address the concerns raised by donors. The suspension of funding from the Russell Berrie Foundation highlights the complex challenges facing universities in balancing financial support with the need to uphold values of inclusivity and respect for all members of the community.
