New York, June 4, 2025 (Xinhua) – The U.S. Department of Education announced on Wednesday that Columbia University has violated federal anti-discrimination laws and thus failed to meet the accreditation standards set by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, an accrediting agency recognized by the department.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, “Accrediting agencies have a significant public responsibility as gatekeepers of federal student aid. They determine which institutions are eligible for federal student loans and Pell Grants.”

The full consequences of the Department’s decision have not yet been disclosed.

The accreditation standards set by the Commission stipulate that “a candidate or accredited institution must possess or demonstrate compliance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations.”

The Department ruled that Columbia University violated this requirement.

This decision follows an investigation launched by the Department in February into antisemitism at Columbia University. In May, both the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services concluded that the university violated Title VI and its implementing regulations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

Columbia has long been a hub of pro-Palestinian protests, with multiple demonstrations on campus since April 2024 resulting in the arrest of hundreds of students.

In March, the Trump administration withdrew $400 million in federal funding allocated to Columbia, citing the university’s failure to curb antisemitism.

The university is currently negotiating with the federal government to restore the funding, but its failure to meet accreditation standards may complicate the process.

McMahon stated, “We hope the Commission continues to keep the Department informed of the steps it is taking to ensure Columbia University adheres to accreditation standards, including compliance with federal civil rights laws.”

In response, Columbia University issued a statement on Wednesday affirming that “Columbia is fully committed to combating antisemitism on its campus. We take this issue seriously and are working closely with the federal government to address it.”

The university had previously released a statement in May rejecting the Department’s decision accusing it of violating Title VI, saying: “Although we disagree with the government’s conclusion, we remain engaged in a constructive and thoughtful process to address these serious issues.”