The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) that Columbia University is in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws.
This violation means that the university no longer meets the standards required for accreditation by the Commission.
The determination follows President Trump’s Executive Order, Reforming Accreditation to Strengthen Higher Education, which obligates the Department of Education to inform accreditors about noncompliance findings concerning member institutions.
Columbia University’s Failure to Meet Accreditation Standards
The MSCHE’s “Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation” require that accredited institutions comply with all applicable government laws and regulations.
Following OCR’s findings, Columbia University’s failure to adhere to federal antidiscrimination laws has led to its loss of accreditation status.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized the importance of accreditors as gatekeepers of federal student aid. She stated, “Accreditors determine which institutions are eligible for federal student loans and Pell Grants.
The Department of Education has an obligation to uphold federal civil rights laws, and university accreditors have a duty to ensure that institutions comply with these standards.”
Allegations of Indifference to Harassment
The controversy began after the Hamas terror attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. OCR determined that Columbia University’s leadership acted with “deliberate indifference” toward the harassment of Jewish students on its campus.
The university’s failure to address the harassment of these students violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
The OCR and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights (HHS OCR) conducted a joint investigation and concluded that Columbia University failed to protect Jewish students from severe and pervasive harassment.
This failure denied the students equal access to educational opportunities guaranteed under the law.
Federal Noncompliance and Accreditation Consequences
As required by federal law, accreditors must notify institutions about noncompliance findings and work with them to develop a plan to come into compliance.
If a university does not resolve the issues within the specified period, the accrediting agency must take appropriate action.
In this case, Columbia University must take steps to correct the issues identified by OCR in order to regain compliance and maintain its accreditation status.
The Investigation into Columbia University
OCR initiated its investigation into Columbia University on February 3, 2025, to determine whether the institution had discriminated against or allowed harassment or violence against Jewish students and faculty.
This investigation was based on allegations of discrimination and harassment on the basis of Jewish ancestry in violation of Title VI and its regulations.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination by recipients of federal funds, ensuring that students and faculty are protected from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
The OCR’s findings have raised serious concerns about Columbia University’s commitment to upholding these protections for its students.
Next Steps for Columbia University
Following the OCR’s determination, Columbia University must work closely with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to develop a plan to address the civil rights violations and come into compliance with federal standards.
The university is expected to take immediate action to ensure the safety and equal treatment of all students, particularly those of Jewish ancestry, and to demonstrate a commitment to preventing future discrimination and harassment.
Secretary McMahon emphasized the critical role of accreditors in safeguarding student rights and maintaining the integrity of the federal student aid system. The Department of Education looks forward to staying informed about Columbia’s progress in addressing these serious issues.
Columbia University’s failure to comply with federal antidiscrimination laws has resulted in significant scrutiny and a loss of its accreditation standing.
The findings highlight the importance of ensuring that all students, regardless of their race, color, or national origin, have equal access to educational opportunities.
As the university works to address these violations, it is critical that the institution upholds the standards of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to protect the rights of its students and ensure it remains eligible for federal student aid.
