The Department of Education (DOE) under the Biden-Harris administration has come under fire for its alleged targeting of Christian colleges and universities. A report by the American Principles Project (APP) has revealed that the DOE’s Office of Enforcement has disproportionately focused on faith-based institutions, imposing hefty fines and creating a hostile regulatory environment.
The report highlights the administration’s contradictory stance, as President-elect Joe Biden had previously emphasized the importance of safeguarding religious freedom. However, actions taken by the DOE tell a different story. The Office of Enforcement, a subsidiary of the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), has been accused of weaponizing its authority to crack down on schools that do not align with the administration’s progressive agenda.
Data analysis conducted by the American Principles Project shows that nearly 70% of enforcement actions by the Department of Education have targeted faith-based or career-focused schools, despite representing less than 10% of the student population. Institutions like Grand Canyon University and Liberty University have faced record-setting fines, surpassing penalties issued to larger public and private institutions for more severe offenses.
In one instance, Grand Canyon University was slapped with a $37.7 million fine for allegedly misleading students about the costs of its doctoral programs. The university vehemently denied the allegations, citing independent accreditation that praised its transparency in marketing and recruitment materials. Despite efforts to engage in dialogue with Secretary Cardona, the university’s concerns were seemingly ignored.
The Office of Enforcement, originally established under the Obama administration, was revived by Joe Biden with a substantial budget increase. The agency’s actions have been criticized for disproportionately targeting Christian colleges that resist conforming to progressive ideologies, particularly on issues related to LGBTQ+ policies and gender identity.
The APP report also highlights the administration’s focus on enforcing Title IX regulations and Clery Act violations at Christian schools while neglecting similar issues at state-run and Ivy League institutions. This perceived bias has raised concerns about the administration’s commitment to religious freedom and diversity of thought on college campuses.
Furthermore, recent revelations about the FBI’s surveillance of “radical traditionalist Catholic ideology” and outreach to Catholic leaders have added to the concerns about government overreach and infringement on religious liberties. The targeting of religious organizations for surveillance has raised alarm bells among civil liberties advocates and religious communities alike.
In light of these developments, it is crucial for stakeholders to closely monitor the actions of government agencies and advocate for policies that uphold religious freedom and respect for diverse viewpoints in higher education. The full APP report provides a detailed analysis of the DOE’s enforcement practices and their implications for Christian colleges and universities.
