The Education Department and Department of Health and Human Services told Harvard University's accreditor Wednesday there is "strong evidence to suggest the school may no longer meet" accreditation standards.
The letter to the New England Commission of Higher Education is the latest escalation in the Trump administration's multifront effort against the nation's oldest college. Loss of accreditation would mean Harvard could not receive federal student aid. The federal departments said Harvard was found in violation of antidiscrimination laws and therefore its accreditor needs to work with the university or take away accreditation if Harvard fails to remedy the situation.
"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," Education Secretary
Linda McMahon said in a statement.
"By allowing anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination to persist unchecked on its campus, Harvard University has failed in its obligation to students, educators, and American taxpayers. The Department of Education expects the New England Commission of Higher Education to enforce its policies and practices, and to keep the Department fully informed of its efforts to ensure that Harvard is in compliance with federal law and accreditor standards," she added.
