The Russell Berrie Foundation, led by Angelica Berrie, put a pause on their donations to Columbia University due to concerns over antisemitism on campus. The foundation, which has donated around $86 million to Columbia over the years, was troubled by the sustained turmoil at the university. The foundation’s decision to suspend giving, which could potentially cost Columbia tens of millions of dollars in the future, was driven by their values of pluralism, bridge-building, and adherence to Jewish values. The foundation’s warning to Columbia highlighted the pressures faced by the university in managing relationships with donors amid ongoing campus protests.
Other major donors, such as Barry Sternlicht and Marc Rowan, have also warned universities of potential financial consequences due to their stances on various issues, including divestment from Israel. The Russell Berrie Foundation, primarily focused on Israel and Jewish causes in the United States, had a significant impact at Columbia due to their longstanding relationship and substantial contributions to the university. The foundation’s concerns about antisemitism on campus increased after pro-Palestinian protests erupted following the Hamas attack on Israel in October.
Foundation executives engaged in private discussions with university officials, urging them to take concrete actions to address the rising tensions on campus. While they refrained from demanding specific policies, they nudged Columbia towards their interpretation of principles like protection from harassment. The foundation’s decision to suspend giving was driven by a culmination of events, including internal discussions among board members and concerns about the hostile environment for Jewish students.
The foundation had initially scheduled three grant payments, totaling almost $613,000, for Columbia. However, amidst escalating tensions and protests, they decided to withhold future donations until they were assured of a safe and respectful environment for all students. Columbia’s response to the foundation’s concerns included efforts to address antisemitism on campus, but the ongoing turmoil led to further escalation, culminating in the foundation’s decision to temporarily halt funding.
The foundation’s pause affects immediate grants for diabetes research, and a lasting suspension could impact a potential $10 million donation. While such actions are rare, the foundation felt compelled to take a stand based on their values and the impact of the situation on Jewish students and faculty at Columbia. The decision to cut off support for medical research was a challenging one, but the foundation prioritized their values over financial contributions.
Ultimately, the foundation’s decision to suspend giving was driven by a desire to see meaningful change at Columbia and to address the issues of antisemitism and intolerance on campus. The board indicated that they would closely monitor the university’s actions and progress in rectifying the situation, without setting specific benchmarks for the reinstatement of funding. The decision was made with a sense of regret, as the foundation had hoped to focus on bettering the world through their philanthropic efforts, rather than getting involved in campus controversies.
