A recent analysis reveals a concerning trend: the Biden administration's Department of Education appears to be disproportionately targeting faith-based and career-focused educational institutions. Data indicates that nearly 70% of the Department's enforcement actions are directed at these schools, despite their enrollment representing less than 10% of the total student population in the United States.
Grand Canyon University President Brian Mueller has publicly questioned this trend. The American Principles Project (APP) suggests this focus may be politically motivated, alleging a pattern of targeting institutions with differing ideologies.
Two prominent Christian universities, Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Liberty University, have found themselves under particular scrutiny. Both institutions have been subjected to substantial fines, exceeding the combined penalties levied against institutions like Penn State and Michigan State for their handling of high-profile sexual abuse scandals.
GCU is currently appealing a $37.7 million fine related to alleged misrepresentations of doctoral program costs. Furthermore, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona has publicly expressed intentions to shut down GCU, characterizing it as a "predatory school" exploiting first-generation students.
The APP report highlights the disparity in enforcement, noting that numerous Christian colleges have faced significant penalties or federal aid restrictions, while Ivy League schools have seemingly escaped similar scrutiny. The report also points to a difference in average fines for Clery Act violations, with Christian schools facing considerably higher penalties.
Despite these developments, GCU recently achieved a legal victory against the Department of Education regarding its non-profit status, which had been contested by the Department despite recognition from other relevant bodies. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in GCU's favor, and the case has been remanded back to the Department of Education.
The Department of Education denies any bias in its enforcement actions, claiming that religious affiliation and non-profit status are not factors. They contend that the APP report misrepresents publicly available data. However, the pattern of enforcement raises questions about the Department's priorities and its impact on faith-based institutions.
