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The Trump administration has moved to question Columbia University’s accreditation status, stating the institution failed to protect Jewish students on campus following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, as per a report by CNN.
The US Department of Education, through its Office for Civil Rights, informed the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that Columbia may no longer meet federal accreditation standards. This notification came after a civil rights investigation alleged the university acted with "deliberate indifference" towards Jewish students facing harassment.
“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,” US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement.
Accreditation is essential for universities in the US to access federal financial aid for students, including grants and loans. If revoked, Columbia students could lose eligibility for federal funding. The accrediting body, Middle States Commission, confirmed receiving the Department's letter but has not issued further comment.
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According to the CNN report, Columbia University responded, stating, “We are aware of the concerns raised” and noted it has engaged directly with the accrediting agency. “Columbia is deeply committed to combatting antisemitism on our campus. We take this issue seriously and are continuing to work with the federal government to address it,” the university stated on its website.
The Department of Education said it is obligated under a February executive order to report noncompliance findings to accreditors. President Trump’s order also calls on accreditors to take action when institutions violate civil rights laws.
This move is part of broader federal efforts under the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, set up by the Trump administration. Several universities have come under federal scrutiny since late 2023 over alleged failures to act against campus antisemitism.
Separately, President Trump on Wednesday signed a proclamation barring most new Harvard University students from entering the US on academic visas, citing similar concerns.
Columbia University earlier faced a $400 million freeze in federal contracts and grants after failing to meet government expectations on curbing antisemitic incidents. In response, the university introduced a set of new policies in March aimed at addressing the issue.
The accreditation process allows for probation or warnings before formal withdrawal. Institutions can appeal such decisions, which temporarily preserves their status during the review.
The Middle States Commission has not indicated any immediate action.
The US Department of Education, through its Office for Civil Rights, informed the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that Columbia may no longer meet federal accreditation standards. This notification came after a civil rights investigation alleged the university acted with "deliberate indifference" towards Jewish students facing harassment.
“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,” US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement.
Accreditation is essential for universities in the US to access federal financial aid for students, including grants and loans. If revoked, Columbia students could lose eligibility for federal funding. The accrediting body, Middle States Commission, confirmed receiving the Department's letter but has not issued further comment.
(Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)
According to the CNN report, Columbia University responded, stating, “We are aware of the concerns raised” and noted it has engaged directly with the accrediting agency. “Columbia is deeply committed to combatting antisemitism on our campus. We take this issue seriously and are continuing to work with the federal government to address it,” the university stated on its website.
The Department of Education said it is obligated under a February executive order to report noncompliance findings to accreditors. President Trump’s order also calls on accreditors to take action when institutions violate civil rights laws.
This move is part of broader federal efforts under the Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism, set up by the Trump administration. Several universities have come under federal scrutiny since late 2023 over alleged failures to act against campus antisemitism.
Separately, President Trump on Wednesday signed a proclamation barring most new Harvard University students from entering the US on academic visas, citing similar concerns.
Columbia University earlier faced a $400 million freeze in federal contracts and grants after failing to meet government expectations on curbing antisemitic incidents. In response, the university introduced a set of new policies in March aimed at addressing the issue.
The accreditation process allows for probation or warnings before formal withdrawal. Institutions can appeal such decisions, which temporarily preserves their status during the review.
The Middle States Commission has not indicated any immediate action.
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