In the next move in President Donald Trump’s war on Ivy League University’s, The Education Department and Department of Health and Human Services told Harvard University’s accreditor on Wednesday that there is “strong evidence to suggest the school may no longer meet accreditation standards,” as well as subpoenaning records of international students. Loss of accreditation would mean Harvard would not be able to receive federal student aid.
The letter to the New England Commission of Higher Education alleged that Harvard “may fail to meet the standards for accreditation.” The federal agencies found Harvard in violation of antidiscrimination laws for failing to protect Jewish and Israeli students on campus.
In addition, the Department of Homeland Security issues subpoenas to the university for records related to the Student Visitor and Exchange Program, stating, “the university repeatedly refused past non-coercive requests [to] provide information.” The issuing of subpoenas comes after Federal Judge Allison D. Burroughs blocked the administration’s directive to stop Harvard from enrolling international students.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon released a statement stating, “Accrediting bodies play a significant role in preserving academic integrity and a campus culture conducive to truth-seeking and learning. Part of that is ensuring students are safe on campus and abiding by federal laws that guarantee educational opportunities to all students.”
Harvard, the oldest higher education institution in the U.S., will remain accredited, as the federal government and the Trump administration cannot force the New England Commission of Higher Education to take away accreditation from a university. The commission said the University has up to four years to come into compliance with the Commission.
The Ivy League Institution denounces claims of antisemitism, as Harvard spokesperson expressed, “Antisemitism is a serious problem and no matter the context, it is unacceptable. Harvard has taken substantive, proactive steps to address the root causes of antisemitism in its community. In responding to the government’s investigation, Harvard not only shared its comprehensive and retrospective Antisemitism and Anti-Israeli Bias Report but also outlined the ways that it has strengthened policies, disciplined those who violate them, encouraged civil discourse, and promoted open, respectful dialogue.”
The spokesperson continued, “Harvard is far from indifferent on this issue and strongly disagrees with the government’s findings. Harvard continues to comply with the New England Commission of Higher Education’s Standards for Accreditation, maintaining its accreditation uninterrupted since its initial review in 1929.”
Harvard is the latest U.S. university to have its accreditation called into question, after Education Department also threatened Columbia’s last month.
