After Harvard, Trump Administration Targets Columbia University Over Anti-Semitism Claims

The US Department of Education on Wednesday (4 June) informed Columbia University’s accrediting body that the institution may have breached federal anti-discrimination laws by failing to safeguard Jewish students from harassment.

The notification raises concerns about the university’s eligibility to retain its accreditation under the standards set by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

In a formal letter, Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that Columbia “acted with deliberate indifference towards the harassment of Jewish students in a manner that violated federal anti-discrimination laws.”

The Department contends that such inaction undermines the university’s compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

McMahon further explained, “Accreditors have an enormous public responsibility as gatekeepers of federal student aid. They determine which institutions are eligible for federal student loans and Pell Grants.”

Her remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of campus climate following months of pro-Palestinian demonstrations related to the war in Gaza.

President Donald Trump has also weighed in, criticising Columbia and other elite universities for failing to protect Jewish students.

In February, the White House revoked $400 million in federal funding to Columbia, citing concerns about rising antisemitism on campus.

The Commission, an independent accreditor, has yet to issue a decision. As the controversy unfolds, the outcome could significantly impact Columbia’s federal funding and academic standing.

Parallelly, President Donald Trump also announced a visa ban targeting new foreign students enrolling in Harvard courses. This follows the directive last month where the administration had revoked Harvard's ability to enroll international students.

“I have determined that it is necessary to restrict the entry of foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States solely or principally to participate in a course of study at Harvard University or in an exchange visitor program hosted by Harvard University,” Trump said in an official statement.

Last month, the US State Department instructed all its consular missions worldwide to implement enhanced screening measures for visa applicants planning to travel to Harvard University for any reason.

A federal court in Boston had blocked the Department of Homeland Security from restricting international students at Harvard. However, President Trump’s latest directive relies on a separate legal provision to enforce the visa ban.

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