Biden Picks A Fight With Christians
Christian groups are accusing Biden of singling them out.
Following Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona’s declaration to close down Grand Canyon University (GCU), the largest Christian university in the United States, officials from GCU are vehemently opposing the move, alleging a bias within the crackdown.
Cardona’s remarks surfaced during a House Appropriations Committee hearing on April 10, where Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut queried Cardona on the administration’s efforts to shutter GCU, branding it as “a predatory for-profit school.”
In response, Cardona embraced their enforcement approach, affirming their intent to not only shut down such institutions but also to send a clear message against preying on students.
The backdrop to this standoff includes a $37.7 million fine levied by the Department of Education against GCU in November, alleging the university misled students about the cost of its doctoral programs over several years. This fine dwarfs penalties issued to other institutions for grave offenses like failing to address criminal behavior.
The Department’s investigation, conducted by the office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), found GCU culpable of deceptive practices, including falsely advertising lower costs for its programs, ultimately burdening students with higher expenses. GCU contested the fine, signaling a prolonged legal battle.
During the committee hearing, Cardona outlined various strategies employed by the agency to crack down on for-profit universities, emphasizing accountability and oversight. He underscored the exploitation of first-generation students by these institutions, leading to exorbitant debt burdens.
In response to Cardona’s statements, GCU officials rebuked the Secretary’s assertions, labeling them as legally and factually inaccurate. They demanded a retraction, citing a discrepancy between Cardona’s comments and the factual record of the case.
The broader context reveals a pattern of antagonism towards faith-based institutions, exemplified by a petition launched by the American Principles Project (APP) to defend Christian colleges from perceived attacks by the Biden administration. The petition urges the administration to cease its actions and respect students’ choices in selecting educational institutions aligned with their values.
Moreover, the Goldwater Institute initiated legal action against the Department of Education for withholding public records related to the fine imposed on GCU, alleging a targeted campaign based on flimsy allegations.
In essence, the clash between GCU and the Department of Education underscores broader concerns regarding accountability, fairness, and ideological bias within the regulatory framework governing higher education institutions.
