Columbia University Violates Federal Civil Rights Law | JQJO

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and the Department of Health and Human Services' OCR found Columbia University violated federal civil rights law by exhibiting deliberate indifference towards harassment of Jewish students. This noncompliance, determined on May 22, 2025, following an investigation launched in February 2025, means Columbia may lose accreditation. The Education Department notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, Columbia's accreditor, of the violation, which could impact the university's eligibility for federal student aid. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized the importance of accreditors ensuring member institutions comply with federal laws.