The US Education Department has threatened potential loss of federal funding for Columbia University over allegations of harassment and anti-Semitism on campus. The Education Department's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) investigated the university after an initial complaint in February, finding that it showed "deliberate indifference" towards harassment of Jewish students.
Columbia University has agreed to implement reforms following a joint task force's recommendations from the Education Department, General Services Administration, and HHS. However, this may not be enough to prevent potential loss of federal funding, which could have serious consequences for the university and its students.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized that university accreditors have a responsibility to ensure member institutions comply with standards, threatening action if non-compliance is not addressed. The Education Department has contacted Columbia's accreditation body about alleged anti-Semitic violations, putting $400 million of the university's funding under review.