The U.S. Department of Education said Columbia University failed to respond adequately to antisemitic harassment on campus. The notice, released on Wednesday, June 4th, puts the school’s accreditation and access to federal student aid at risk.
The Department’s Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Health and Human Services found that Columbia did not act after Jewish students were targeted following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. Federal officials said the school’s inaction violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which protects students from discrimination in federally funded programs.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which accredits Columbia, has been formally notified. Under federal rules, accrediting bodies must make sure that schools fix violations or face consequences, including loss of funding. The Commission has received the notice but has not issued a public statement.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said Columbia’s leadership failed to act and called the university’s response both immoral and illegal. She reminded accrediting agencies of their duty to enforce civil rights standards tied to federal aid. The Department is urging the Commission to hold Columbia accountable.
Columbia responded that it is working with federal officials and has already taken steps to address the issue. The school said it is committed to fighting antisemitism and plans to show it is complying with federal rules. If the university loses accreditation, it would no longer qualify for federal aid programs like Pell Grants or student loans.
While civil rights investigations are not unusual, losing accreditation is rare. Officials say Columbia will likely be given a chance to present proof of its reforms. The case has renewed questions about how schools handle identity-based harassment and protect students on campus.
