### Columbia University Faces Accreditation Threat Over Alleged Antisemitism

The federal Department of Education has accused Columbia University of discriminating against Jewish students following the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants on Israel. According to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the Ivy League institution's leadership exhibited "deliberate indifference" toward Jewish students, thus failing to meet accreditation standards.

In a letter addressed to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, McMahon emphasized that Columbia University's actions have jeopardized its accreditation status. Should the university lose its accreditation, students would become ineligible for federal student loans and Pell grants.

The Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights recently concluded an investigation into Columbia, revealing that the university inadequately protected Jewish students from severe and pervasive harassment on campus. McMahon has requested the accrediting commission to keep the department informed about steps taken to ensure Columbia's compliance with both accreditation standards and federal civil rights laws.

A spokesperson for Columbia University indicated that the school has already engaged with its accreditor regarding these concerns. They reiterated the university’s commitment to combating antisemitism, stating that efforts to collaborate with the federal government on this issue are ongoing.

This situation marks another episode in the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and elite academic institutions like Columbia. Earlier in February, the administration cut $400 million in research funding to Columbia, citing the university's failure to address antisemitism. The funding cuts have resulted in the layoff of 180 employees while negotiations for restoring the funds continue.

Acting President Claire Shipman has been praised by the Trump administration for calling the police to arrest pro-Palestinian protesters who occupied a room in Butler Library. However, Shipman recently called on graduates to defend academic freedom and free speech, asserting that these principles should stand firm against any government interference.