Christian Colleges Face Unprecedented Fines Under Biden Administration

The Biden administration has come under fire for allegedly weaponizing the Department of Education (DOE) against Christian colleges and universities, according to a scathing report from the American Principles Project (APP). The report claims that the DOE’s Office of Enforcement has disproportionately targeted faith-based institutions with record-setting fines, fostering a hostile regulatory environment under the guise of protecting students from “predatory” practices.

APP’s analysis reveals that nearly 70% of enforcement actions by the DOE were aimed at faith-based or career-focused institutions, even though these schools represent less than 10% of the student population. Among the most notable cases are Grand Canyon University (GCU) and Liberty University, which received fines of $37.7 million and $14 million, respectively.

To put this in perspective, these penalties far exceed fines issued for high-profile scandals at public institutions, including the $2.4 million fine imposed on Penn State for the Jerry Sandusky scandal and the $4.5 million fine against Michigan State for the Larry Nassar case.

GCU, the largest Christian university in the U.S., faced the record $37.7 million fine in October 2023 for allegedly not fully disclosing the costs of its doctoral programs on its website. However, GCU vehemently denied these allegations, with an independent accreditor describing the school’s marketing as “clear and transparent.”

In response, GCU President Brian Mueller wrote a letter to Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, calling the accusations “incredulous” and asking for a rational discussion—an offer that reportedly went ignored. Mueller pointed out that GCU has not raised tuition in 15 years, does not rely on state taxpayer subsidies, and graduates students with less debt than the national average.

The DOE’s Office of Enforcement was originally created during the Obama administration but remained largely inactive until President Biden revived it. Under Biden, the office has seen its budget skyrocket—an increase of nearly 600% last year, with an additional 230% requested for this year. Critics argue that this expanded budget has been used to target Christian schools and enforce compliance with progressive ideologies.

The APP report accuses the administration of selectively enforcing Title IX regulations and Clery Act violations against Christian schools while ignoring similar issues at elite public and private universities. For example, the average fine for a Clery Act violation at Christian institutions was $815,000, compared to just $228,571 at secular schools.

Furthermore, at least 12 Christian colleges have been barred from receiving federal student aid due to these enforcement actions, while no Ivy League schools have faced similar punitive measures.

The APP report aligns with other accusations against the Biden administration for alleged hostility toward Christian institutions and values. For instance, policies that previously protected religious student groups have been rolled back, limiting religious expression on campuses.

This pattern is consistent with past controversies, such as a memo from the FBI warning about “radical traditionalist Catholic ideology.” The memo, revealed earlier this year, suggested monitoring Catholic organizations as potential “tripwires” for law enforcement. Critics saw this as an attempt to spy on Americans practicing their Christian faith.

The Biden administration has also faced backlash for supporting progressive policies on campuses, such as enforcing LGBTQ+ regulations and promoting gender identity initiatives, which often conflict with traditional Christian teachings.

Critics argue that the DOE’s actions threaten to erode religious freedom and traditional family values in higher education. By disproportionately targeting faith-based institutions, the administration risks alienating a significant portion of the American public.

These enforcement actions could have long-term consequences for Christian colleges and universities, many of which rely on federal student aid to sustain their operations. The financial strain imposed by massive fines and regulatory compliance could force some schools to shut down, leaving students with fewer choices for faith-based education.

The APP report has sparked outrage among conservative and religious groups, who view the DOE’s actions as an assault on religious freedom. Many are calling for congressional oversight to investigate the Office of Enforcement and its practices.

GCU and other affected institutions are likely to challenge these penalties, potentially setting the stage for legal battles over the DOE’s authority and its treatment of faith-based schools.

In a broader sense, the controversy highlights the growing tension between progressive policies and religious freedom in America. As cultural and political divides deepen, the role of government in shaping higher education is likely to remain a contentious issue.

The Biden administration’s approach to regulating Christian colleges and universities has raised serious questions about fairness, religious freedom, and the role of government in higher education. With record-setting fines and an aggressive enforcement strategy, the DOE’s actions have fueled accusations of bias and overreach.

Whether this signals a broader shift in federal policy or a temporary crackdown remains to be seen. For now, Christian institutions and their supporters are rallying to defend their values against what they see as an unprecedented assault from the highest levels of government.

🚨 #BREAKING: We now know the FBI, relying on information derived from at least one 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 employee, sought to use local religious organizations as “new avenues for tripwire and source development.” pic.twitter.com/97veIGtvq4

— Weaponization Committee (@Weaponization) April 10, 2023