SCOOP: Trump Admin intensifies scrutiny on Columbia University as Education Department questions accreditation

Columbia University is currently facing increased scrutiny after the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) that the university is not meeting the accreditor's standards for continued academic accreditation. This move could have significant repercussions, as the MSCHE is responsible for upholding high benchmarks in academic quality, institutional effectiveness, and integrity among its member institutions across the Mid-Atlantic region. Loss of accreditation status would threaten Columbia’s eligibility for vital federal student aid programs, including Pell Grants, work-study, and student loans, fundamentally impacting thousands of students and the institution itself.

This latest action marks an escalation in the Trump administration's campaign to hold Columbia accountable for what it describes as failure to address antisemitism on campus. Earlier this year, the administration initiated a federal investigation into the university following allegations that Jewish students were not adequately protected from harassment linked to campus protests and anti-Israel sentiments. As a result, the Department of Education moved to revoke $400 million in federal funding earmarked for various academic and research initiatives at Columbia, citing non-compliance with federal antidiscrimination laws.

In an effort to stave off these financial penalties, Columbia University has implemented several policy changes in recent months. These include revising its protocols around campus protests and security, reorganizing its Middle Eastern studies department, and adopting a comprehensive new definition of antisemitism that applies university-wide. These reforms were aimed at demonstrating Columbia’s commitment to meeting accreditation standards and federal civil rights requirements.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon underscored the importance of the situation, stating, “Accreditors have an enormous public responsibility as gatekeepers of federal student aid. Just as the Department of Education has an obligation to uphold federal antidiscrimination law, university accreditors have an obligation to ensure member institutions abide by their standards.” She emphasized that her office expects the commission to keep the Department fully informed of any developments regarding Columbia’s compliance status.

The financial strain caused by the loss of federal grants became evident last month when Columbia announced the layoff of approximately 180 staff members—roughly 20% of those whose positions were funded, in whole or in part, by the rescinded grants. Acting President Claire Shipman acknowledged the gravity of the decision, attributing it to the need to preserve the university’s financial stability amid ongoing uncertainty. She noted that additional difficult choices may be necessary in the weeks and months ahead as the university navigates through unprecedented challenges confronting higher education nationwide.

The ongoing accreditation review, coupled with the withdrawal of major federal funds, places Columbia at a critical juncture. The outcome will not only influence the future financial and academic prospects of the university but could also serve as a cautionary precedent for other institutions facing similar civil rights compliance challenges.