This leaves Columbia University open to criticism. The U.S. Education Department has made clear that institution has not met accreditation standards, most notably in its failure to comply with federal antidiscrimination laws. This announcement comes on a very Fortnightly Friday almost Wednesday. On this day, the department notified Columbia University’s accreditor of a Title VI violation in which the school allegedly harassed Jewish students on campus.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that Columbia University’s leadership exhibited “deliberate indifference” towards the mistreatment of Jewish students following the October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel. Such actions have raised serious concerns about the university’s commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all its students.
The U.S. Education Department has an integral role in determining which of these schools get access to federal student loans. It sets the maximum Pell Grants eligibility. As long as Columbia University is able to keep this eligibility, it is in grave danger of losing its accreditation status because of these newly discovered allegations. The department’s notification to the accreditor signifies a potential shift in the university’s standing concerning federal funding.
“If a university fails to come into compliance within a specified period, an accreditor must take appropriate action against its member institution,” – The U.S. Education Department.
Secretary McMahon further stated, “This is not only immoral, but unlawful.” Her remarks underscore the importance of universities enforcing federal law to protect students against discrimination and harassment.
The implications of this crisis go far beyond Columbia University. The U.S. Education Department late last year highlighted the critical role that accreditors play as gatekeepers of federal student aid. They must ensure that institutions adhere to established standards while holding them accountable for violations of federal antidiscrimination laws.
Given all that’s occurred, Columbia University is under tremendous pressure to grapple with these issues and fix its accreditation status. The university’s response—whatever it may be—will be watched carefully by students and the rest of the higher education community.
As this story continues to unfold, stakeholders are keenly awaiting further updates from Columbia University regarding its plans to address these serious allegations and restore its standing with its accreditor and the U.S. Education Department.
To read more about the U.S. Education Department’s stance, go to their blog at U.S. Education Department.