U.S. Department Of Education Notifies Accreditor That It Found That Columbia University Violated Antidiscrimination Laws

On June 4, 2025, the U.S Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced that it had notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that Columbia University is in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws and no longer meets accreditation standards.

OCR’s announcement follows the May 22, 2025, finding by the Department of Health and Human Services OCR and the Department of Education OCR that Columbia violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by acting with deliberate indifference to antisemitic harassment. Under federal regulations, the accreditor must now ensure Columbia takes corrective action or face potential consequences.