As a result of Trump’s Department of Education, the grandest Christian college in our nation was liberated from an arduous $37.7 million penalty. Imperiously, the Biden administration in 2023 timeshifted blame for deceiving doctoral students regarding program expenses upon Grand Canyon University, promptly imposing the gargantuan fine. Ex-Education Secretary, Miguel Cardona, was unabashed in denigrating GCU, his cant, ‘I’m cracking down not merely to switch them off, but to broadcast our decree to deter exploiting students.’ GCU President, Brian Mueller, defied this accusation, labeling it as ‘ludicrous.’
Mueller revealed his approach to navigate this storm, rooted in Bible-guided obedience and servitude, setting his learning place as an example amid adversity. ‘Our confrontation lies solely with an influential minority cluster in the US headquarters,’ The school President visibly elucidated, assuming rightfully that certain factions in Washington D.C. would likely take umbrage at such a nobly steadfast stance.
This development sparked off a sense of deliberate oppression under the scanner. Curious it seemed that Liberty University, another large Christian institute, found itself at the receiving end of an eerily identical $37 million penalty around the same juncture. A reckless coincidence? Or a handy justification for religious bias, paraded under the veil of fair administration?
Addressing this uncanny correlation, Mueller highlighted in his discourse, ‘Isn’t it striking that the two most sizable Christian universities in our nation are slapped with almost indistinguishable obligations at virtually the same time?’ A question worth pondering on – a calculated design integrated into this punitive exhibition.
For close to two grueling years, they fought a draining legal war. However, triumph came calling when the Trump administration’s Department of Education made a pivotal announcement. The crippling financial burden upon GCU was revoked, wiping clean all allegations of misconduct against the university.
Reflecting the university overjoyed statement, there were ‘no confirmations of guilt against GCU or any person involved in its operations and no fine remains.’ A double-whammy of scholarly and political wins, this announcement was applauded vastly and loudly celebrated.
The reversal of the fine signals the Trump administration’s continual promise to safeguard religious institutions from biased enforcement. Speaking for the Education department, spokesperson Ellen Keast hammered home the narrative, ‘We, unlike the predecessors, refrain from vilifying and prosecuting colleges and universities over their spiritual affiliation.’
A tenet echoed by the Trump administration as they move forward to ensure every higher education institutions’ responsibility is bound by concrete facts. Ellen Keast continued, ‘Department enforcement would exist solely for student welfare, devoid of political prejudice.’ It was a statement seen by many as a key reminder of the imperative need for fairness and impartiality in regulatory oversight, particularly for faith-based institutions that have previously felt unfairly singled out.
Princess Warriors of Christian academia were euphoric. This moment became a beacon illuminating the path for Christian schools, reinforcing their assertion that the bias is real, and giving them a much-awaited reprieve from their constant struggle. Their joyous roars echoed across the country, as the Trump administration, settled on the side of logic and righteousness.
This era witnessed an unambiguous partisan tendency to single out faith-based establishments. Their accountability has always been under the lens, but the punitive measures seemed excessive and discriminatory. Their only salvation comes from the Trump administration, which stood firm, protected the Christian universities, and voiced the unsaid concerns of numerous Christian education advocates. The modern day, Goliath, taking pride in vindicating the small yet mighty David.
In the shifting sands of time, political narratives often encroach upon the waters of education. The changing helm in Washington, D.C. has, in recent times, appeared to affect the state and stature of crucial educational institutions. A clear pattern of partisan influence and prejudice unsettlingly suggests that faith-based academia is not exempt from being caught in the whirlwinds of these conditions.
With undeniable proof of partiality, the administrations’ conduct concerning these two Christian behemoths was alarming. An almost synchronised move to levy nearly equal fines on both institutions was suggestive of a planned mass assault on Christian education entities. Emerging victorious, GCU’s recent ordeal provides a dire warning to myriad religious institutions, infusing them with a feisty spirit to deter potential biases that may be lurking in future punitive policies.
The gloomy scene casts a shadow on the prestigious institution of academia as a beacon of knowledge and rational discourse. Further, it challenges the democratic tenet of debate and discourse, while threatening faith, an integral part of many lives. However, the recent Trump administration’s actions display a commitment to these institutions, reassuring educators of faith that their beliefs and mission will continue to be respected and shielded from political bias.
The future of faith-based education in America rests on this new confrontation. Only time will tell if the policies and attitudes will evolve, bearing in mind the fundamental principles of fairness, equality and, respect for religious beliefs. As history showed in the case of GCU and Liberty University, they have a formidable ally in the Trump administration that will shield them against any attempt targeting their religious affiliation.
In conclusion, let this be an encouraging lesson for those passionate about Christian higher education. The win over their appeal is the testament to GCU’s steadfast commitment and bolsters their stand that they’ve been asserting from inception. A tale of tenacity in the face of prejudice, it is indeed a tale that will continue to inspire advocates of Christian education.