Trump Admin Challenges Columbia University's Accreditation Amid Antisemitism Allegations

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Trump Administration Challenges Columbia University's Accreditation Amid Antisemitism Allegations

 

The Trump administration has taken a striking step in its ongoing confrontation with Columbia University, directly challenging the Ivy League institution’s accreditation status over allegations that it violated federal civil rights laws. According to the U.S. Department of Education, Columbia’s response to reports of campus antisemitism has placed the university in violation of antidiscrimination statutes, potentially jeopardizing its standing as an accredited institution.

 

The department has notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, the accrediting body responsible for overseeing Columbia, that the university no longer appears to comply with the legal requirements tied to its accreditation. While this notice does not automatically revoke Columbia’s accreditation—a move that would critically undermine the university’s ability to function and receive federal funding—it signals a significant escalation in federal scrutiny. The department has urged the accrediting commission to work with Columbia to bring it into compliance and warned that “appropriate action” should be taken if the school fails to meet federal standards.

 

“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,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon. “This is not only immoral, but also unlawful.”

 

Columbia University and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education have not yet issued public responses to the federal warning.

This development comes at a tense moment in the university’s relationship with the federal government. In March, the Trump administration terminated $400 million in federal grants and contracts previously awarded to Columbia, citing concerns over antisemitism on campus. In response, Columbia accepted an initial set of conditions proposed by the administration. However, the government is now pushing for a broader agreement—a consent decree—that would place Columbia under court supervision to ensure it complies with federal directives.

 

Such a decree would significantly curtail Columbia’s institutional autonomy by involving a judge in monitoring the university’s adherence to civil rights standards. The proposed oversight structure reflects the administration’s insistence that universities, particularly elite institutions, be held accountable for how they handle incidents of discrimination and harassment.

 

Last month, a federal investigation concluded that Columbia had failed to protect Jewish students from harassment by their peers, thereby violating civil rights law. The findings have reinforced the administration’s position that the university's leadership neglected its legal and ethical responsibilities in safeguarding student welfare.

 

The battle between Columbia and the Trump administration is part of a larger national debate over how colleges address rising tensions related to the Israel-Palestine conflict and antisemitism. While critics see the administration’s actions as an overreach into academic governance, supporters argue that federal intervention is necessary to ensure that civil rights are enforced on college campuses.

 

As pressure mounts, Columbia now faces not only the threat of financial loss but also the risk of diminished credibility in the eyes of regulators and the public. Whether the university will agree to more extensive oversight or contest the administration’s demands remains to be seen, but the consequences of this standoff could set new precedents for federal involvement in higher education.

 

Related Topics:

Columbia's Firm Response to Protest Gets Trump Administration Support Amid Federal Funding

Palestinian Columbia Protester Detained by ICE During Citizenship Appointment

Hamas Cheering Protestors at Columbia University

Anti-Israel radical at Columbia University event ‘Nothing wrong with being a Hamas fighter’

Pro-Palestinian Protesters Take Over Columbia Hamilton Hall "Intifada" hangs from windows

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from WSJ  2025-06-06

 

 

[koolkarl]

And who is the president of Columbia university?  

[mikeymike100]

19 minutes ago, koolkarl said:

And who is the president of Columbia university?  

Claire Shipman is the Acting President of Columbia University, appointed in March 2025 following the resignation of Minouche Shafik amid controversies over campus protests and antisemitism allegations

[FlorC]

So much to do , and the Trump admin wastes its time with this.

[Bkk Brian]

It was always said they were Hamas supporters. Deport the terrorist supporters! Well done Trump!

 

 

 

A “Jew-hater” who protested against Israel on Columbia University’s campus and contemplated setting a student on fire allegedly had a direct link to Hamas’ deadly al-Qassam Brigades militant group, The Post can reveal.

Tarek Bazrouk — awaiting trial after being indicted on three federal hate crimes against Jewish people — was “a member of a chat group that received regular updates from Abu Obeida,” the official spokesperson for the brigades, according to allegations in federal documents.

The accusation is the first evidence of an agitator receiving information directly from Hamas and taking action during protests on the university campus.

https://nypost.com/2025/06/04/us-news/protestor-tarek-bazrouk-had-link-to-hamas-militants-doj/

 

[Peabody]

Accrediting agencies are not government units. They are independent agencies that set their own standards.

[koolkarl]

6 hours ago, mikeymike100 said:

Claire Shipman is the Acting President of Columbia University, appointed in March 2025 following the resignation of Minouche Shafik amid controversies over campus protests and antisemitism allegations

It was Shafik I was referring to and guess what he is?  

[chickenslegs]

31 minutes ago, koolkarl said:

It was Shafik I was referring to and guess what he is?  

*She