U.S. government sees Columbia's first steps on protests as promising

By Jonathan Allen

NEW YORK, March 24 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump's administration on Monday described Columbia University's response to government demands to tighten rules on campus protests as a "promising first step" towards regaining federal grants and contracts.

"Columbia is demonstrating appropriate cooperation with the Trump Administration's requirements, and we look forward to a lasting resolution," U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement on Monday.

"I have been in communication with Columbia University Interim President Katrina Armstrong over the last few weeks and appreciate her leadership and commitment to advance truly meaningful reforms on campus."