The United States Department of Education notified the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) on June 4 that Columbia University’s accreditation is under review. The department alleges the university is “in violation of federal antidiscrimination laws” for purportedly failing “to meaningfully protect Jewish students against severe and pervasive harassment”.

Critics contend that while the claim of anti-Semitism might potentially be a mischaracterization, Columbia University has indeed violated its accreditation terms by suppressing academic freedom and viewpoint diversity during anti-genocide protests.This suppression included institutional sanctions and deploying the police on campus.

according to MSCHE’s accreditation policy, an “accredited institution” must demonstrate “a commitment to academic freedom, intellectual freedom, freedom of expression” and cultivate “a climate that fosters respect among students, faculty, staff, and administration from a range of diverse backgrounds, ideas, and perspectives”.

Since october 7, 2023, Columbia University’s response to protests concerning gaza and Palestine has led to accusations that it has failed to meet MSCHE’s requirements. The removal, suspension, and arrest of student protesters and faculty critics are seen as violations of the institution’s obligation to protect freedom of expression and academic freedom.

on November 10, 2023, Columbia suspended Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) and Jewish Voices for Peace (JVP) after a protest for Palestinian rights. The administration claimed the groups used “threatening rhetoric and intimidation”. However,reports indicated the suspension was based on an incident involving an unaffiliated individual,and no formal disciplinary process was followed.

It was later revealed that Columbia administrators altered policies on student groups just before suspending the SJP and JVP.

in January, Katherine Franke, a law professor, retired, stating she was “effectively terminated” after facing criticism for a media interview critical of students who formerly served in the Israeli army.

Columbia has acknowledged issuing “multi-year suspensions,temporary degree revocation and expulsions” to students involved in 2024 anti-genocide protests. Grant Miner, a jewish PhD student and president of the Student Workers of Columbia, noted that those censured “had been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing”.

The university has also invited the New york Police Department (NYPD) onto campus to intervene against student expression. On April 30, 2024, the NYPD arrested 44 students and others with university affiliations. In early May, about 70 students were arrested after participating in an “occupation” of the university’s library, at the “at the direct request of Columbia University”.

Critics argue these incidents stifle academic freedom and viewpoint diversity. The targeting of Arab, Muslim, palestinian, and Jewish students and allies is viewed as discriminatory, violating MSCHE’s principles on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

These decisions were made unilaterally by senior administration,without input from faculty or shared governance bodies,signaling a lack of adherence to MSCHE’s accreditation policy standard on governance,leadership,and administration. The university’s failure to show “a commitment to shared governance” and “administrative decision-making that reflects fairness and openness” is seen as a failure to meet accreditation standards.

Broader Issues in Higher Education

Columbia University is not alone. At Muhlenberg College in Pennsylvania, Maura Finkelstein was fired for social media critiques of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

At Northwestern University, Steven Thrasher faced multiple investigations for supporting a student encampment and was denied tenure, a decision he characterized as an effort to silence and intimidate others.

“students, journalists, faculty, staff and activists across campus and throughout the country [might potentially be intimidated] into silencing themselves”

Across the United States, students have faced repression. By July 2024, at least 3,100 students had been arrested for participating in campus anti-genocide protests. On November 6,2023,Brandeis University banned its student chapter of the SJP for “conduct that supports Hamas”. In April 2024, Cornell University suspended students involved in pro-Palestinian protests.

In May, police used pepper spray against students at George Washington University, arresting 33 people.At Vanderbilt university, students were arrested and expelled for occupying a building.

the University of Michigan has spent at least $800,000 hiring private investigators to surveil student protesters.

These examples reflect a broader crisis in higher education, where free expression is being suppressed, undermining the values universities claim to uphold.

Critics suggest this crisis stems from university administrators prioritizing donors and corporate stakeholders over their educational missions.

To function as institutions devoted to knowledge production and pedagogical development,universities must fulfill accreditation requirements for academic and intellectual freedom,diversity,and fair administration.

There can be no exceptions.