The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has informed the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that Columbia University is in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws. This notification indicates that Columbia University does not meet the accreditation standards set by the Commission.
According to the Commission’s “Standards for Accreditation and Requirements of Affiliation,” institutions must comply with all applicable government laws and regulations. The OCR's determination suggests that Columbia University currently fails to adhere to these standards.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated, “After Hamas’ October 7, 2023, terror attack on Israel, Columbia University’s leadership acted with deliberate indifference towards the harassment of Jewish students on its campus. This is not only immoral, but also unlawful." She emphasized the responsibility accreditors have as gatekeepers of federal student aid and their duty to ensure member institutions abide by their standards.
On May 22, 2025, both the Department of Education’s OCR and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights determined that Columbia University violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. They found that Columbia failed to protect Jewish students from severe harassment on campus, denying them equal access to educational opportunities.
Under federal regulations, accreditors are required to notify member institutions about any noncompliance findings and develop a plan for compliance. Failure to comply within a specified period necessitates appropriate action against the institution.
The investigation into Columbia began on February 3, 2025, focusing on whether discrimination or harassment based on Jewish ancestry occurred in violation of Title VI.
Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin by recipients of federal funding.
