Under the watchful eye of the Trump administration’s Department of Education, the nation’s premier Christian higher learning institution was fortunate to bid farewell to a ludicrous $37.7 million penalty. Mere moments after the Biden administration came to power in 2023, accusations were hurled upon Grand Canyon University, alleging they had given doctoral students a misleading picture of their program costs. This led to the implementation of an enormous fine without any reasonable dialogue or investigation.
Barely concealing his open agenda against the institution, then-Education Secretary Miguel Cardona was vocal in his criticism. According to him, this audacious move was meant to ‘rein in’ such institutions, casting them in the garb of college student exploiters. Nothing could be further from the truth, but the narrative played right into the Biden administration’s hands.
Grand Canyon University’s President, Brian Mueller, raised legitimate concerns against these accusations, finding them nothing less than ‘comical’ at best. Dodging the assaults with grace, he emphasized the higher goal that the university was striving for, a path of virtue guided by the principles of the Scriptures and service to their fellows.
Not stopping short of defending the integrity of his university, he also noted, ‘All the problems appear to emerge from a select few operating in Washington, D.C.’ This intuitive comment cast light on the situation’s peculiarity, exposing the ‘hidden’ bias from the Capitol.
What truly amplified doubt about this whole matter was the simultaneous persecution of Liberty University. America’s second-ranking Christian university found itself in the same tight spot, slapped with an almost identical fine. A pattern the Biden administration feebly attempted to pass as a coincidence.
President Mueller emphasized the odd timing and the unmistakably similar nature of the accusations. In his words: ‘Isn’t it bizarre that the two foremost Christian universities in the country are being hit with practically identical fines at virtually the same time?’ This rhetorical question resonated across the higher education system, leaving many questioning the motives of the Biden administration.
Thankfully, better judgment prevailed in the end. After almost two years of relentless courtroom battles, the Trump administration’s Department of Education shared the news many had been waiting for. A decision was pronounced on Friday, revoking the uncalled-for $37.7 million fine against Grand Canyon University, effectively absolving them of any unsubstantiated allegations.
A press release from the elated university affirmed there were ‘no valid findings against GCU, nor any of its employees, officers, agents, or contractors, and no due penalty.’ Undoubtedly, this outcome served as a remarkable academic and political triumph.
More importantly, it spotlighted the Trump administration’s unwavering promise to guard religious institutions against biased law enforcement. Highlighting this shift in approach, Education Department spokesperson Ellen Keast asserted, ‘Unlike the prior administration, we hold no intentions to intimidate and litigate schools and universities based on their religious affinity.’
This was a promising proclamation from the Trump administration, assuring that every institution of higher learning would be assessed impartially, on fact-based evidence rather than political predispositions. To many, it promised a return to a level playing field, particularly for faith-based institutions that were haunted by unfair policies in the recent past.
The decision and its transparent rationale won applause from all corners, particularly among advocates of Christian higher education. Many found this development reassuring, a sign that justice would prevail against baseless accusations directed towards institutions anchored in faith.
Undoubtedly, the events involving Grand Canyon University have left a mark, rallying those who hold Christian higher education dear. The successful appeal serves as a robust testament, lending weight to the university’s argument since the controversy began.
In conclusion, the outrageous accusations and subsequent redress underscore a potent dynamic in contemporary American politics. They expose not only an alarming bias against faith-based institutions under the Biden administration, but also underscore the necessity of checks and balances to ensure fair treatment for all institutions, regardless of their religious affiliations.
The post Biden’s Baseless Assault on Christian Education appeared first on Real News Now.
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