Trump administration attacks Columbia’s accreditation

The Department of Education warns Columbia is in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws and no longer appears to meet the standards for accreditation.

The Columbia University campus in New York. Picture: AP.

The Trump administration took aim at Columbia University’s accreditation, a significant escalation in the government’s battle with the Ivy League school.

The Department of Education told the organisation through which Columbia is accredited that the school is in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws and no longer appears to meet the standards for accreditation.

The move doesn’t revoke Columbia’s accreditation, without which Columbia would be virtually unable to operate. The government urged the accreditor to work with the school to make sure it comes into compliance with federal law, and “take appropriate action” if Columbia fails to do so.

“After Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel, Columbia University’s leadership acted with deliberate indifference towards the harassment of Jewish students on its campus,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon. “This is not only immoral, but also unlawful.” Neither Columbia University nor the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which accredits Columbia, immediately responded to a request for comment.

Dow Jones