Donald Trump's administration said Columbia University has greatly escalated the pressure on institutions because it violates federal anti-discrimination laws and no longer meets the standards required for certification.
The Ministry of Education said it had notified the Chinese Higher Education Commission to accredit Columbia that the university "violated federal anti-discrimination laws and therefore failed to meet the certification standards set by the committee."
The action threatens Colombia to receive tens of millions of dollars in tuition fees from government-backed student grants and loans to support students and increases pressure to negotiate reconciliation with the government.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon said: “After Hamas’ October 7, 2023, the leadership of Columbia University was intentionally indifferent to the harassment of Jewish students on campus. This is not only immoral, not only private, but also enormous public responsibility.
Columbia University said in a statement that it was aware of the government's concerns and had been linked to the Chinese commission.
"Columbia is deeply committed to combating anti-Semitism on our campuses. We take this issue seriously and continue to work with the federal government to resolve it."
The New York University-based university announced reforms in March to respond to a $400 million federal funding freeze and demanded changes to its governance and student discipline procedures. It has since revealed plans for further changes that many faculty members have seen as further weakening their power and tendencies over the Trump administration.
The government launched a widespread attack on elite U.S. universities, investigating so-called unresolved anti-Semitism, reduced or even cancelled funding for researchers.
Harvard, one of those who rejected Washington's request, sued the administration in April. It has cut federal funds and has the right to remove foreign students.
After the Harvard lawsuit, Acting President Claire Shipman of Columbia promised: “We will reject any agreement that requires us to abandon our independence and autonomy as an educational institution.”
In order to operate and qualify for government funding, American universities must be authorized by one of the seven nonprofit accredited agencies in the country.
Trump's pressure on institutions increased, signing an executive order in April accusing them of failing responsibility and threatening to withdraw or weaken their authority over certification.
The Ministry of Education said last month that its Civil Rights Office determined that Colombia had “deliberate indifference to harassment of Jewish students.”
It said: “If a university fails to comply with the rules within a specified period, appropriate action must be taken against its member institutions.”
The Chinese Higher Education Commission confirmed it received a letter on the matter on Wednesday afternoon and said "no other comments are available at the moment."