Columbia University $21M EEOC Discrimination Settlement

Current or former Columbia University employees, including student employees, who worked between Oct. 7, 2023, and July 23, 2025, and believe they experienced harassment or discrimination based on their Jewish faith, Jewish ancestry or Israeli national origin may qualify to claim monetary compensation from a class action settlement.

Columbia University agreed to pay $21,000,000 to resolve U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission allegations. The EEOC claimed that Columbia University engaged in unlawful employment practices, including discrimination and harassment based on religion, race and national origin, as well as retaliation against employees who reported such conduct.

Who can file a claim?

Class members must meet all of the following criteria:

• Columbia University employed them in the United States at any time between Oct. 7, 2023, and July 23, 2025.
• They believe they were subjected to or experienced discrimination, including harassment or retaliation, during their employment because they practice Judaism and/or are Jewish and/or Israeli.

Former student employees who graduated but whom Columbia employed during the relevant period are eligible.

Additional Details

• The EEOC will review claims to determine if individuals have viable claims for discrimination, harassment or retaliation based on religion, race or national origin.
• Eligibility is not automatic, and the EEOC has sole discretion regarding qualification and award amounts..
• The EEOC may contact claimants for additional information.

How much is the discrimination payout?

The exact amount each eligible class member will receive is not specified. The settlement establishes a $21,000,000 fund to compensate employees. The EEOC has sole discretion to decide the amount of money awarded to each eligible claimant, depending on the number of eligible claims and the EEOC's assessment of each claim's merits.

How to file a claim

Class members must complete a claim form to participate. They can submit the form online or mail the completed PDF claim form to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: EEOC v. Columbia University, c/o CPT Group Inc., P.O. Box 19504, Irvine, CA 92623

Information and documentation required

All class members must provide their contact information, Social Security number and dates of employment.

They must also provide the following details:

• Columbia University locations worked and job titles held
• Descriptions of the discriminatory conduct experienced, including dates, frequency and the identity of the alleged harasser(s)
• Details regarding any complaints made and the response received
• Information regarding any mental or physical harm or lost pay and benefits suffered

The EEOC may contact claimants to gather additional information for evaluating their potential claim.

Important dates

• Claim deadline: June 2, 2026

When is the EEOC v. Trustees of Columbia University settlement payout date?

The payout date is not specified. The EEOC will use claim information to decide eligibility and the monetary amount claimants are entitled to receive.

Why did this class action settlement happen?

The EEOC alleged that since at least Oct. 7, 2023, Columbia University engaged in a pattern or practice of harassment based on national origin, religion or race in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Columbia University chose to voluntarily resolve these charges to avoid an extended dispute and without admission of liability.

Sources

1. Official settlement website
2. Claim form