The Trump administration has claimed that Columbia University does not fulfill accreditation requirements and is in breach of federal anti-discrimination laws.
According to a press release from the Department of Education, the Civil Rights Office (OCR) has informed the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that Columbia University “has not met the required accreditation standards” and must quickly provide non-comprehensive findings related to its member institutions.
In the Department of Education’s press release it is mentioned:
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has notified the Commission that Columbia University’s affiliated institutions have failed to meet the accreditation standards set by the Commission due to violations of federal anti-discrimination laws. As stipulated by President Trump’s executive order, Accreditation reforms to strengthen higher education, the department is required to promptly inform the accreditor about any violations related to its member institutions.
The Commission’s “criteria for accreditation and affiliation requirements” state that institutions must comply with all applicable governmental laws and regulations as they pertain to accredited bodies. Given the OCR’s recent decision, it appears Columbia University no longer meets these standards.
“On October 7, 2023, following the terrorist attacks on Israel, Columbia University officials showed deliberate indifference to the harassment faced by Jewish students on campus,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated. “This not only raises ethical concerns but is also illegal. Those certified in this area have a significant obligation as gatekeepers of federal student aid, determining eligibility for federal loans and Pell grants.”
Previously, Breitbart News reported that the university announced it would implement several policy changes regarding protests, disciplinary actions, and the authority of campus police.
This announcement from Columbia comes after the Trump administration revealed it has terminated grants and contracts totaling about $400 million.
McMahon emphasized that Columbia University must “comply and adhere” to its recent announcements in order to regain the $400 million in funding that was cancelled.
