The U.S. Department of Education has taken aim at Columbia University, calling on the school’s accreditor to revoke its accreditation—a move that could jeopardize the Ivy League school’s access to federal financial aid. The June 4 letter marks the latest in a string of escalating actions by the Trump administration against elite universities accused of antisemitism and liberal bias.
Threat
In the letter, the Education Department urged the Middle States Commission on Higher Education to rescind Columbia’s accreditation, which has been in place since 1921. The department cited findings from its Office for Civil Rights, which concluded the university violated federal antidiscrimination laws.
According to the department, these violations mean Columbia no longer meets the necessary standards for accreditation. If that status were revoked, Columbia would lose access to critical federal funding that supports financial aid, research, and other programs.
Accreditation
The Middle States Commission, an independent and nonpartisan accreditor recognized by the Education Department, oversees institutions across the mid-Atlantic region. Although the Trump administration is pushing for action, the commission has made no public indication it plans to withdraw Columbia’s accreditation.
Rawan Abbasi, a spokesperson for Middle States, confirmed that the letter had been received but declined to comment further.
Pressure
The move follows a broader campaign by the Trump administration targeting elite schools. While Columbia’s situation mirrors some of the pressure Harvard has faced, the two cases differ in key ways. Earlier this year, Columbia agreed to reform some of its policies—related to teaching, hiring, and admissions—in response to federal demands.
Still, the administration has not restored $400 million in paused funding, which has reportedly impacted research efforts and led to layoffs at the university.
Response
Columbia officials say they are taking the concerns seriously. Virginia Lam Abrams, a spokesperson for the university, confirmed receipt of the Education Department’s letter and emphasized Columbia’s commitment to addressing antisemitism on campus.
“Columbia is deeply committed to combating antisemitism on our campus,” Abrams said. “We take this issue seriously and are continuing to work with the federal government to address it.”
However, the university has also made clear that it won’t agree to reforms that compromise its institutional independence. Acting President Claire Shipman stated in April that Columbia would pursue continued dialogue with the government but wouldn’t accept any deal that surrenders its autonomy.
Politics
While framed as a legal and regulatory issue, the controversy is steeped in politics. Trump has long criticized what he calls liberal dominance in higher education, accusing institutions like Columbia of ideological bias and failure to maintain safe environments for Jewish students.
For now, Columbia remains accredited, but the administration’s letter signals that the pressure won’t ease anytime soon. Whether Middle States acts on the recommendation remains to be seen, but the growing standoff between the federal government and Ivy League schools is clearly intensifying.
FAQs
Why is Columbia’s accreditation at risk?
The Education Department says the school violated anti-bias laws.
Who is Columbia’s accreditor?
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Has Columbia responded to the accusations?
Yes, it said it’s committed to addressing antisemitism.
Is Columbia still accredited?
Yes, and the accreditor hasn’t said it will revoke it.
What would loss of accreditation mean?
It would cut off federal financial aid and research funding.
