A new report by the American Principles Project (APP) has uncovered that nearly 70% of the Biden administration’s Department of Education enforcement actions were directed at Christian and career-oriented colleges, despite these institutions enrolling less than 10% of students nationwide. The findings have sparked significant debate over whether the administration’s policies unfairly target faith-based and specialized institutions, raising questions about the role of bias in federal oversight.
Key Findings from the Report
According to APP’s analysis, the Department of Education’s enforcement efforts have disproportionately focused on Christian universities and career colleges. Notably, the report highlights several key points:
- Disproportionate Enforcement: While Christian and career colleges account for a small fraction of U.S. higher education enrollment, they have been the subject of nearly 70% of enforcement actions taken by the Biden administration’s Department of Education.
- Specific Institutions Targeted: Grand Canyon University (GCU), the largest Christian university in the United States, has been a primary target. GCU has faced multiple lawsuits and enforcement actions from the Department, including allegations of deceptive advertising practices.
GCU President Brian Mueller has voiced his concerns about what he sees as an unfair focus on the institution. “We’ve absolutely been targeted,” Mueller said. He pointed to the Department’s legal actions as evidence of a broader trend of scrutiny aimed at faith-based schools.
Legal Developments
The scrutiny of Grand Canyon University has become a focal point in the broader conversation about the Department’s enforcement practices. In a significant legal development, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Department of Education improperly applied an incorrect standard when assessing GCU’s nonprofit status. The court remanded the case back to the Department for further review, signaling a potential shift in how such cases may be handled moving forward.
Reactions to the Report
The APP’s findings have drawn strong reactions from policymakers, educational leaders, and advocacy groups:
- Criticism from APP: Jon Schweppe, the APP’s Policy Director, accused the Biden administration of weaponizing federal agencies to target ideological opponents. “For the last four years, Democrats have been busy weaponizing every part of the federal government to target their opponents,” Schweppe said. He argued that these enforcement actions are part of a larger pattern of bias.
- Broader Concerns: Critics of the Department’s enforcement strategy worry that the disproportionate targeting of Christian and career colleges undermines the principles of fairness and equal treatment in federal oversight.
Faith-Based Colleges in Focus
Faith-based colleges have traditionally played a unique role in American higher education, offering students a curriculum that integrates religious values with academic rigor. These institutions often appeal to students seeking an education aligned with their personal beliefs. Critics of the Department’s approach argue that targeting these schools disproportionately may discourage prospective students from attending them, potentially infringing on their freedom of choice.
Career colleges, meanwhile, have been a lifeline for students seeking specialized training and fast entry into the workforce. Advocates for these institutions contend that their focus on practical skills and career readiness fills a crucial gap in the education system. Overregulation, they warn, could stifle innovation and limit opportunities for students who rely on these schools for upward mobility.
Potential Implications
The APP report has renewed calls for greater transparency in how the Department of Education enforces policies and selects institutions for scrutiny. Legal experts and education advocates have emphasized the need for oversight processes that ensure all institutions are treated equitably, regardless of their religious affiliation or mission.
“This isn’t just about the numbers,” said education policy expert Lisa Adams. “It’s about trust in the system. If certain types of institutions feel they’re being unfairly targeted, it erodes confidence in the Department’s ability to act as a neutral arbiter.”
As the debate over the Department of Education’s enforcement actions continues, faith-based and career colleges are urging policymakers to take a closer look at the criteria and motivations behind federal oversight. Whether the findings of this report lead to meaningful changes in how enforcement is carried out remains to be seen, but the conversation underscores the need for balance and fairness in higher education regulation.
Sources
- Fox News: New Report Shows Nearly 70% of Biden Admin’s Education Enforcement Targeted Christian and Career Colleges
- Associated Press: Legal Challenges in Education Enforcement Policies
- American Principles Project: Full Report on Education Enforcement
- Grand Canyon University Press Release: Response to Education Department Actions
- The Hill: Debate Over Bias in Federal Oversight of Higher Education
