On June 4, 2025, the U.S. Department of Education sent a letter to Columbia University’s accrediting body, urging it to revoke the university’s accreditation. This action comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and selective universities, including Columbia, over accusations of antisemitism and liberal bias. Columbia’s accreditation is crucial for the school to access federal financial aid, and the university’s future status is now under scrutiny.
The Department of Education’s Allegations Against Columbia
The letter, sent to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, claimed that Columbia University was in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws, specifically related to antisemitism. The Education Department stated that the university’s failure to address these issues properly meant that it no longer met the necessary standards for accreditation. Accreditation is a critical factor in ensuring that universities can continue to receive federal funding, including grants and student loans.
Despite these serious allegations, there is no indication that the accrediting body, Middle States, plans to rescind Columbia’s accreditation. Columbia has held this status since 1921. Middle States is a nonpartisan, independent organization responsible for overseeing universities in the United States, ensuring they meet certain educational standards.
A Tense Relationship Between the Administration and Columbia
This letter marks another step in the Trump administration’s pressure on Ivy League schools, particularly over the issue of antisemitism. In response to accusations and concerns raised by the government, Columbia University took steps to reform its policies earlier this year. In March, the university agreed to make changes to its teaching, hiring, and admissions practices following demands from the federal government. However, despite these efforts, Columbia still has not seen the restoration of $400 million in federal funding that the Trump administration had previously paused. This funding freeze led to a halt in research and even caused some layoffs at the university.
In April, Columbia’s acting president, Claire Shipman, emphasized that while the university remained open to dialogue with the government, it would not agree to any changes that would compromise its independence or autonomy as an academic institution.
Columbia’s Response to the Allegations
Virginia Lam Abrams, a spokesperson for Columbia University, responded to the Department of Education’s letter by stating that the university is fully committed to combating antisemitism on its campus. Abrams stressed that the university takes these concerns seriously and is working closely with the federal government to address the issue. Despite the administration’s pressure, Columbia has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining its educational mission and autonomy.
The Future of Columbia’s Accreditation
While the Trump administration’s actions have caused tension between Columbia and the federal government, it remains unclear whether the accrediting body, Middle States, will take any formal steps to remove the university’s accreditation. Accreditation is a complex process, and while the Department of Education has made its request, the final decision lies with the independent accrediting agencies.
As the situation develops, Columbia University will likely continue to navigate the pressures from the Trump administration while working to maintain its standing as a leading educational institution in the U.S.
