Faith-based and career schools have become the primary targets of the Biden administration’s Department of Education, according to a report by the American Principles Project (APP). These schools account for nearly 70% of enforcement actions despite serving less than 10% of the nation’s students.
Jon Schweppe of APP called the findings “evidence of ideological targeting,” accusing the administration of punishing Christian colleges for opposing leftist policies.
Prominent Christian universities like Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Liberty University have faced record fines. GCU’s $37.7 million penalty for alleged student misrepresentation dwarfs penalties imposed on public institutions for major scandals, such as Penn State’s $2.4 million fine.
The APP report also highlights discrepancies in fines. Christian schools faced average Clery Act penalties of $815,000, compared to $228,571 for other institutions. At least 12 Christian colleges have been barred from receiving federal aid, a restriction rarely applied to elite universities.
The Department of Education denies allegations of bias, claiming that enforcement actions are based solely on objective criteria. However, a recent court ruling found the department unlawfully denied GCU nonprofit status, further fueling accusations of unfair treatment.
The findings have reignited debates about the administration’s handling of faith-based institutions, with many calling for an end to what they see as politically motivated enforcement.
