Harvard receives another blow as it approaches 'death sentence'

WASHINGTON D.C.: The U.S. Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services have issued a formal warning to the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), stating that there is "strong evidence" Harvard University may no longer meet accreditation standards. The letter, sent Wednesday, signals a major escalation in the Trump administration’s ongoing battle with the institution.

At the heart of the issue are alleged violations of federal anti-discrimination laws. The departments argue that Harvard has failed to adequately address antisemitic harassment and discrimination on campus, potentially placing it in violation of federal law and its accreditor's policies.

“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,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon. She emphasized that accrediting bodies are responsible for ensuring student safety and enforcing compliance with federal law.

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If NECHE determines Harvard is out of compliance and fails to take corrective action, the university could lose its accreditation—a move that would strip its eligibility for federal student aid. Such a loss is rare and often described as a “death sentence” in higher education circles.

Harvard has already filed lawsuits against the federal government, alleging political interference and threats to its academic freedom.

In a separate move on the same day, the Department of Homeland Security announced plans to subpoena Harvard for information on its international students, after a judge blocked the administration’s earlier attempt to bar the school from enrolling them.

The New England Commission and Harvard have not yet commented on the letter.