The Biden administration’s assault on American values has escalated to a new front: Christian colleges. The recent actions taken by the Department of Education (ED) against Grand Canyon University (GCU), imposing a staggering $37.7 million fine—the largest in the department’s history—on the nation’s largest Christian school, signal a disturbing trend. This punitive measure ostensibly for misrepresentation and false advertising concerning the cost of doctoral programs, is a thinly-veiled attack on religious freedom and an attempt to stifle any institution that challenges the prevailing left-wing dogma.
The allegations against GCU, which ED claims misled students about the cost of its doctoral programs, have already been scrutinized and dismissed in the federal court system. Yet, ED’s decision to levy such a hefty fine on GCU, while comparatively minor penalties were assigned to institutions like Michigan State for far graver offenses, reveals the administration’s true motives. This is not about protecting students or ensuring fair representation in educational marketing; it’s about suppressing the Christian ethos that GCU proudly promotes.
GCU’s commitment to Christian values and ethics, combined with its efforts to keep tuition costs stable for over a decade, represents a threat to the higher education status quo. The Biden administration’s targeting of GCU underscores a broader campaign to eliminate competition that deviates from the secular, progressive model of higher education. This campaign is not only an affront to religious liberty but also jeopardizes the diverse educational landscape that is crucial for a free society.
Brian Mueller, President of GCU, has rightly called out the political motivations behind ED’s actions, emphasizing the need to combat the tyranny emanating from federal government agencies. The ideological weaponization of such agencies against Christian institutions cannot be tolerated, as it sets a dangerous precedent for religious freedom and the autonomy of educational establishments across the country.
Fortunately, GCU is not standing alone in this fight. Several Arizona Congress members have voiced their support for the university, highlighting the excessive nature of ED’s fine and its detrimental impact on religious freedom. Their collective call for transparency and protection of religious liberties is a crucial step in pushing back against the Biden administration’s overreach.
As the Biden administration continues to harass people of faith, it is imperative that more leaders and citizens stand in solidarity with GCU. The fight against this tyrannical overreach is not just about one university; it’s about defending the fundamental American principle of freedom of religion. Congress must take decisive action to ensure that institutions like GCU can continue to provide valuable educational opportunities without fear of being targeted for their religious convictions.
