The Trump administration on Wednesday notified Columbia University accreditors that the school violated Title VI and threatened the university’s accreditation status by saying it “appears to not meet the board’s accreditation standards.”
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Civil Rights (HHS OCR) have determined that Columbia University acted with deliberate indifference to the harassment of Jewish students, violating Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
The release states that war in the Middle East is violating schools when it invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 people and taking hundreds hostages. Israel’s subsequent retaliation against the Gaza Strip has claimed more than 54,000 lives.
The government’s release said Wednesday that the school is currently violating standards set by the Middle School Board Committee, accredited by Colombia. It says this is “compliance with all applicable government laws and regulations that are owned or demonstrated by a candidate or accredited body.”
“In light of the OCR decision, it appears that Columbia University no longer meets the board’s accreditation standards,” the Department of Education said.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said that since October 7, 2023, Columbia has acted with deliberate indifference to the harassment of Jewish students on campus, calling the school’s actions “immoral” and “illegal.”
McMahon said the department will work with accreditors to “ensure Colombia comply with accreditation standards, including compliance with federal civil rights laws.”
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
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