Donald Trump’s administration has said Columbia University no longer meets the standard required for accreditation due to its violation of federal anti-discrimination laws, sharply escalating its pressure on the institution.
The education department said it had notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which accredits Columbia, that the university was “in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws and therefore fails to meet the standards for accreditation set by the commission”.
The action threatens Columbia’s access to tens of millions of dollars in tuition fees from government-backed student grants and loans to support students, and adds pressure for it to negotiate a settlement with the government.