On Wednesday, June 4th, the U.S. Department of Education notified Columbia University’s accreditor that the university violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by failing to adequately respond to antisemitic harassment on campus, placing its accreditation status at risk. The finding follows an investigation launched earlier this year.
According to the Department’s Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Health and Human Services, Columbia acted with “deliberate indifference” toward the harassment of Jewish students after the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attacks. The federal agencies determined that Columbia’s inaction constituted a failure to provide equal access to education, as required under Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs.
Federal regulation 34 C.F.R. § 602.20(a) requires accrediting bodies to ensure that institutions correct any compliance failures or risk consequences, such as losing eligibility for federal student aid. Columbia University’s accreditor, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, was officially notified and is now tasked with reviewing the school’s corrective measures. While the Commission has confirmed receipt of the notice, it has not made a public statement.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon accused Columbia University’s leadership of failing to address the harassment of Jewish students, calling their inaction immoral and unlawful. She stressed that accreditors are responsible for enforcing compliance with federal standards tied to financial aid. The Department urged the Middle States Commission to ensure Columbia meets all civil rights and accreditation requirements.
Columbia responded by stating it is cooperating with federal officials and remains committed to combating antisemitism. The university emphasized that it has already taken steps to address the concerns raised by the Department and intends to demonstrate compliance with its accrediting agency. Losing accreditation would mean Columbia no longer qualifies for federal student financial aid programs, including Pell Grants and federally subsidized student loans.
Although civil rights violations by universities are not uncommon, loss of accreditation is rare. Officials indicated that Columbia will likely have an opportunity to present evidence of reform before final determinations are made. Meanwhile, the case has renewed scrutiny of campus conduct policies and how institutions respond to identity-based harassment in academic environments.
