New York City-based Columbia University is taking initial steps to comply with federal directives to restore nearly $400 million in funding, more than half of which is tied to grants from the National Institutes of Health.

The funding pause, announced March 7, stemmed from an investigation into the university’s handling of reports of anti-semitic harassment and potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The move affected more than 400 NIH grants totaling $250 million, disrupting large-scale studies — many involving partner institutions — as well as physician fellowship programs, clinical trial staffing and research nurse support.

The university’s actions follow a letter issued earlier this month by the federal Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, which outlined nine preconditions for restoring Columbia’s federal contracts and grants.

In a March 21 statement , Columbia shared numerous actions it was implementing to “make our campus safer, more welcoming and respectful of the rights of all,” the university wrote. Actions include strengthening disciplinary processes, enhancing campus security measures and implementing universitywide Title VI training.

“All of these steps have been underway and are intended to further Columbia’s basic mission: to provide a safe and thriving environment for research and education, while preserving our commitment to academic freedom and institutional integrity,” Columbia said.

HHS called Columbia’s actions “a positive first step in the university maintaining a financial relationship” with the federal government in a March 24 sta t ement . However, the White House did not share a timeline or next steps for when Columbia’s funding may be restored. Becker’s has reached out to HHS for additional details.

“Columbia’s early steps are a positive sign, but they must continue to show that they are serious in their resolve to end anti-Semitism and protect all students and faculty on their campus through permanent and structural reform,” Josh Gruenbaum, commissioner of the Federal Acquisition Service and task force member, said in the HHS release. “Other universities that are being investigated by the Task Force should expect the same level of scrutiny and swiftness of action if they don’t act to protect their students and stop anti-Semitic behavior on campus.”