A controversial report reveals an unexpected pattern in the Department of Education's enforcement actions against higher education institutions.
According to Fox News, nearly 70% of the Biden administration's Department of Education enforcement actions were directed at faith-based and career schools, despite these institutions representing less than 10% of the U.S. student population.
The American Principles Project's newly obtained data highlights a significant disparity in enforcement patterns, particularly affecting prominent Christian universities such as Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Liberty University. These institutions have faced unprecedented fines that surpass the combined penalties imposed on other institutions over the past seven years.
The enforcement actions have resulted in substantial financial penalties for Christian institutions. The average fine for Clery Act violations at Christian schools reached $815,000, while public and private institutions faced considerably lower penalties averaging $228,571.
Jon Schweppe, APP Policy Director, expressed strong criticism of the current administration's approach. He emphasized that while major actions from agencies like the Department of Justice have garnered significant attention, similar concerning efforts in other agencies should not be overlooked.
The Department's scrutiny has particularly affected GCU, which currently faces a $37.7 million fine imposed in November 2023. The fine stems from allegations that the Arizona-based institution misled students about doctoral program costs over several years.
GCU recently achieved a significant legal victory regarding its non-profit status, with the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruling that the Education Department had unlawfully applied incorrect standards in its determination.
The report reveals that at least 12 Christian colleges have faced excessive penalties or been banned from receiving federal student aid. In contrast, no Ivy League institution has received punitive action from the Office of Enforcement.
Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona's stance became clear during a House Appropriations Committee hearing, where he specifically addressed for-profit colleges. American Principles Project Policy Director Jon Schweppe stated:
While major assaults from agencies like the Department of Justice have taken most of the headlines, we should not ignore similarly corrupt efforts in other agencies as well. As our report details, the Biden-Harris Department of Education has been engaged in a long-running scheme to punish Christian colleges that are ideologically opposed to the left's agenda. The unfair targeting of these institutions has been egregious, and it needs to stop immediately.
The Education Department has defended its actions through a spokesperson's statement, firmly denying any bias based on religious affiliation or non-profit status. The department maintains that its primary focus remains on protecting student safety and academic opportunities.
The enforcement actions against Christian institutions have drawn comparisons to previous cases involving major public universities. The fines imposed on GCU and Liberty University notably exceed those given to Penn State ($2.4 million) and Michigan State ($4.5 million) for their handling of high-profile sexual abuse cases.
The case involving GCU's non-profit status has been remanded back to the Education Department following the recent court decision, potentially setting a precedent for similar cases in the future.
The American Principles Project's report has unveiled a pattern of enforcement actions that disproportionately affect faith-based and career schools under the Biden administration's Department of Education. The investigation found that while these institutions represent less than 10% of U.S. students, they have been subject to 70% of enforcement actions, with prominent Christian universities facing unprecedented fines and scrutiny. The Department of Education maintains its actions are based solely on protecting student interests, though affected institutions and advocacy groups argue the enforcement patterns suggest targeted action against religious educational institutions.
