The Trump administration has accused Columbia University of violating federal anti-discrimination laws in its handling of campus protests related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Department of Education (DOE) announced its findings on Wednesday, notifying Columbia’s accreditor of a potential Title VI violation that could put the university’s accreditation and access to federal funding at risk.
According to the DOE, the alleged violations stem from Columbia’s response to student protests following the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel. The protests have sparked tensions on campus, with claims that the university’s actions—or inactions—contributed to a discriminatory environment.
The Trump administration has labeled Columbia’s conduct as both “immoral” and “unlawful,” raising concerns over compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance.
The DOE has also notified Columbia’s accrediting body, emphasizing its responsibility to uphold standards that include adherence to anti-discrimination laws. Loss of accreditation could severely impact Columbia’s ability to access federal student loans, Pell Grants, and other federal funding, potentially jeopardizing millions—if not billions—of dollars in financial aid for its students.
This latest development follows earlier actions by the Trump administration against Columbia. In March, the administration canceled approximately $400 million in federal grants and contracts with the university, citing similar concerns.
Columbia is not the first higher education institution to face scrutiny under the Trump administration. Harvard University has also been criticized for allegedly allowing anti-Semitism on its campus, signaling a broader campaign by the administration to address perceived biases in higher education institutions.
As of now, Columbia University has not issued a public response to the allegations. The university’s accrediting commission has yet to announce any immediate actions regarding the DOE’s notification.
If Columbia’s accreditation is revoked, it could have far-reaching implications for the university and its students. Accreditation is essential not only for maintaining educational standards but also for ensuring eligibility for federal student aid programs. A loss could disrupt the financial stability of many students and tarnish the institution’s reputation.
This rapidly unfolding situation has drawn national attention, with both supporters and critics of the Trump administration’s actions closely monitoring how it will impact one of the country’s leading universities.