Rep. Andy Biggs [R-Ariz.] last week introduced H.R. 1825, the Guarding Religious And Career Education (GRACE) Act, which you’re reading about now because it proposes the elimination of the Office of Enforcement within the Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid. This move follows concerns over what Biggs describes as the “weaponization” of the federal government against faith-based and career schools under the Biden Administration.
The background: A recent report by the American Principles Project (APP) highlighted that nearly 70% of the Department of Education’s enforcement actions targeted faith-based and career schools, despite these institutions serving less than 10% of students nationwide. This disproportionate focus has raised allegations of ideological targeting.
One notable example is the $37.7 million fine imposed on Grand Canyon University (GCU), the largest Christian university in the U.S., for allegedly misrepresenting doctoral program costs. GCU has denied these allegations and is appealing the fine, which has been disputed by judicial and administrative reviews. In contrast, other institutions have faced significantly lower fines for more severe infractions, such as Michigan State University’s $4.5 million fine for mishandling sexual abuse allegations and Temple University’s $700,000 fine for falsifying rankings data.
Investigation demanded: Rep. Biggs also sent a letter to Education Secretary Linda McMahon, urging an immediate investigation into the Office of Enforcement’s practices. The letter emphasizes the need to address potential ideological targeting and hold those responsible accountable1.
The GRACE Act reflects broader concerns about regulatory overreach and its impact on educational institutions. By eliminating the Office of Enforcement, Biggs aims to prevent future administrations from using it as a tool for targeting specific types of schools.
