Daijiworld Media Network- Washington (DD)

Washington, Jun 5: The Trump administration has escalated its crackdown on Columbia University, threatening to revoke the Ivy League institution’s accreditation over alleged failures to safeguard Jewish students amid rising antisemitic incidents following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.

In a stern letter sent Wednesday, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon accused Columbia University of “deliberate indifference” towards harassment complaints by Jewish students. Addressed to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education — the accrediting authority for Columbia — the letter warned that the university “no longer appears to meet the Commission’s accreditation standards.”

McMahon emphasized the vital role of accreditors as guardians of federal student aid, labeling Columbia’s inaction as “immoral” and “unlawful.” The letter further accused the university of violating federal anti-discrimination laws by denying Jewish students equal educational access.

This move intensifies scrutiny on U.S. college campuses over their management of protests and safety concerns linked to the Israel-Gaza conflict. President Donald Trump, seeking re-election, has repeatedly criticised Columbia and other universities for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students from hostility. Earlier this year, the administration had already cut $400 million in federal funding to Columbia citing similar concerns of fostering antisemitism.

Although Columbia took some corrective steps, including restructuring its Middle Eastern Studies department, the administration remains unconvinced of sufficient action by university leadership.

Harvard University faces similar allegations and legal challenges regarding federal education funds, signaling broader federal action against elite institutions.

Loss of accreditation would severely impact Columbia financially and reputationally, as it would jeopardize access to billions in federal student aid. The independent accrediting commission now faces the critical decision on Columbia’s status.

This ongoing conflict highlights the complex challenges universities face balancing free speech, campus safety, and institutional accountability amid politically charged tensions.