Education Department Says Columbia University Fails to Meet Accreditation Standards

The U.S. Education Department says Columbia University violated federal anti-discrimination laws, prompting a warning to its accreditor that the university no longer meets minimum standards.

In a landmark action, the U.S. Department of Education has officially determined that Columbia University no longer meets required accreditation standards due to non-compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws.

This announcement follows an investigation by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which concluded that the university failed to adequately address antisemitic harassment on campus, thereby violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

🚨 Why It Matters

Accreditation is crucial for universities to remain eligible for federal financial aid programs such as Pell Grants and subsidized student loans. A loss of accreditation could jeopardize Columbia’s access to billions in federal funding, affecting both current and prospective students.

📋 What the Report Found

• Columbia was accused of “deliberate indifference” toward Jewish students facing harassment during and after the October 2023 Israel-Hamas conflict.
• The Department informed the university’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), that the institution is not meeting federal compliance obligations.
• This marks one of the first times the Education Department has taken such a step in response to campus discrimination concerns.

🎓 Columbia’s Response (So Far)

While Columbia has implemented recent reforms to governance and student conduct, critics—including faculty and advocacy groups—say the changes either don’t go far enough or represent a “politicized crackdown” on academic freedom.

As of now, Columbia University has not issued an official public statement responding to the accreditation concerns.

📌 What’s Next?

The Middle States Commission has acknowledged receiving the Department’s report and is expected to begin its own review process. This could result in anything from probation to full loss of accreditation—though such outcomes typically take months to finalize.

🏛️ A Broader Trend

This case highlights a growing trend in Washington: stronger enforcement of Title VI and civil rights laws in higher education. The Department of Education has been investigating multiple universities over their handling of campus discrimination complaints.

This decision sends a message: federal compliance isn’t optional, and universities must take actionable steps to protect all students—regardless of background, religion, or identity.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to our Higher Education News section.