The Trump administration's settlement with Columbia clarifies the stakes for anyone weighing whether to fight its demands or concede.

Some acknowledge that the university had no choice and that the deal could be worse, but many fear that it sets some dangerous precedents.

As part of the deal, Columbia will pay $200 million to the federal government over three years to settle allegations the school violated antidiscrimination laws. The school also agreed to settle investigations brought by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for $21 million.