Recent reports indicate that the Biden-Harris administration has strategically targeted faith-based colleges, particularly Christian institutions, as per a study by the American Principles Project (APP). The APP released their findings on November 18, highlighting that nearly 70 percent of the educational enforcement actions taken by the Department of Education have affected faith-based and career schools, despite these institutions representing less than ten percent of the overall student population in the United States. This suggests a worrying trend where smaller, faith-based colleges are viewed as compliant adversaries to the administration’s progressive agenda, while larger institutions, such as Ivy League schools, have seemingly escaped scrutiny.
Among the most notable targets of the Department’s enforcement activities were Grand Canyon University and Liberty University. These prominent Christian universities faced hefty penalties that eclipsed the total fines imposed over the previous seven years combined. The association of these punitive measures with the administration’s broader ideological stance raises questions about equity and fairness within federal educational policies. Critics assert that these actions are more than just routine oversight; they are strategic maneuvers aimed at stifling dissenting viewpoints under the guise of regulatory enforcement.
In a related context, the political landscape has seen former President Donald Trump advocate for a significant overhaul of the Department of Education. In a video from July, Trump asserted his plan to dismantle the federal education department, arguing that educational governance should revert to the states. His emphasis on local control suggests a paradigm shift away from federal mandates, providing states the autonomy to tailor their education systems according to their respective needs. This proposal strikes at the very heart of a centralized education system, potentially altering the relationship between federal and state educational authorities.
As Trump continued to outline his education policy, he selected Linda McMahon as his nominee for Secretary of the Department of Education, further solidifying his commitment to prioritize parental rights and school choice. McMahon’s previous role as chair of the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) showcased her advocacy for Universal School Choice in multiple states, enabling children to access quality education regardless of socioeconomic factors. This alignment of educational philosophy suggests that a Trump administration would aim to shift educational dynamics significantly, countering the current administration’s policies through a focus on choice and parental involvement.
The APP study further detailed that approximately twelve Christian colleges faced penalties or were stripped of their eligibility for federal student aid, evidencing a systematic targeting of these institutions. Jon Schweppe, APP’s Policy Director, expressed concern over what he characterized as the politicization of federal agencies, accusing the Democrats of weaponizing government mechanisms for politically motivated agendas. He contended that the Biden-Harris administration has been relentlessly pursuing a campaign against Christian institutions, which he perceives as ideologically misaligned with leftist policies, leading to an atmosphere of intimidation and discrimination against faith-based educational establishments.
Additionally, the significant economic impact of these enforcement actions cannot be overlooked. According to APP, the average fine levied against Christian colleges for Clery Act violations climbed to approximately $815,000, starkly contrasting with the average fines imposed on both public and private institutions, which totaled around $228,571. This disparity points to a potential bias in enforcement practices that targets religious institutions more harshly than their secular counterparts, raising further questions about fairness and the motivations behind these actions. The APP’s findings reflect a contentious battle over the role of faith in education amid a rapidly transforming political landscape, stirring debates about academic freedom, ideological diversity, and the guiding principles of educational governance in the United States.
