- The Trump administration doubled down on efforts to end DEI programs across U.S. colleges. More than 50 universities are now under investigation for racial discrimination, with allegations involving race-based admissions and scholarships.
- The list of universities under scrutiny includes major institutions such as Arizona State University, Emory University, Duke University, University of Chicago, Yale University and the University of Kentucky.
- The National Education Association and ACLU have sued the Department of Education, arguing the policies violate constitutional rights and academic freedoms.
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The Trump administration is intensifying its efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in U.S. schools, announcing more than 50 universities are now under investigation for alleged racial discrimination. The push comes after the Department of Education warned schools and colleges a month ago to end DEI programs or face loss of federal funding.
Department of Education opens investigations
The Department of Education issued a “Dear Colleague” letter demanding schools nationwide end any educational programs or activities with racial preferences Feb. 14. This action is part of the administration’s broader directive to restrict race-based practices in educational settings.
“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement. “We will not yield on this commitment.”
52 universities under investigation
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is now investigating racial discrimination at 52 schools, with allegations of discriminatory practices related to race-based admissions and scholarships.
The list of universities under scrutiny includes major institutions such as Arizona State University, Emory University, Duke University, University of Chicago, Yale University and the University of Kentucky. These 45 colleges are accused of using race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs.
Additionally, seven universities, including Ithaca College and the University of Alabama, face allegations of employing race-based scholarships and engaging in segregation practices.
The allegations involve potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans discrimination on the basis of race, color and national origin.
Many of these accusations center around partnerships with organizations like The PhD Project, which supports students pursuing doctoral degrees by providing networking and mentorship. However, the Department of Education claims the program’s eligibility criteria are limited by race.
How has the academic community responded?
The National Education Association and the American Civil Liberties Union have filed lawsuits against the Department of Education, arguing that these actions infringe upon academic freedom and violate constitutional rights.
Earlier this week, the Department of Education also announced investigations into 60 additional schools over alleged antisemitic discrimination and harassment on their campuses, broadening the scope of their scrutiny.
