Columbia University Faces Accreditation Threat Over Federal Antidiscrimination Violations
Columbia University is currently under scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Education, which has declared that the institution is violating federal antidiscrimination laws. As a result, Columbia may no longer meet the accreditation standards established by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. This alarming development follows the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to withdraw federal funding from universities perceived to be in violation of specific norms, with Columbia now joining the ranks of targeted institutions alongside Harvard.
On Wednesday, the Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) informed the accrediting commission of the apparent noncompliance of Columbia University with crucial federal laws. According to provisions outlined in Trump's Executive Order regarding the reform of higher education accreditation, the Department is mandated to notify accrediting bodies of any institutions found in breach of compliance regulations.
The stakes are high for Columbia University; a loss of accreditation could lead to severe consequences for its students. Data from the university indicates that approximately 21% of undergraduate students at Columbia College and Columbia Engineering benefit from Pell Grants—federal financial aid designed to assist students demonstrating significant economic need. A potential revocation of federal student loans may escalate education financing costs for many, while also jeopardizing federal work-study programs.
The Department of Education has emphasized that the Middle States Commission's Accreditation Standards and Membership Requirements necessitate that all accredited institutions comply with applicable governmental laws and regulations. Given the OCR's recent findings, it seems Columbia University’s status is now in jeopardy.
The controversy erupted following the October 7, 2023 terrorist attack by Hamas against Israel, after which Columbia's leadership reportedly exhibited indifference towards the harassment faced by Jewish students on campus. This alleged failure to protect vulnerable students not only raises moral questions but also legal ones. As stated by Education Secretary Linda McMahon, accrediting agencies hold a public responsibility as stewards of federal student aid; they must ensure that educational institutions comply with federal civil rights laws.
The Department has signaled its expectation for the Commission to maintain transparency regarding any measures taken to ensure Columbia's adherence to accreditation standards. Meanwhile, the OCR initiated an investigation into the university's actions as of February 3, 2025, aiming to ascertain whether Columbia discriminated against, tolerated harassment of, or allowed acts of violence against students or faculty based on their Jewish heritage—actions that would contravene Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Title VI explicitly prohibits any entity receiving federal financial assistance from engaging in discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. The outcomes of this investigation could have far-reaching implications, not only for Columbia but also for the broader landscape of federal support for higher education. As the situation unfolds, all eyes will remain on the university and the Department of Education’s subsequent actions.
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