Department of Education Initiates Investigations of 45 Universities for Suspected Race-Based Policies
The investigations are a result of recent guidance highlighting that universities must eliminate race-based programs or face the potential loss of federal funding.
“The Department is committed to redirecting civil rights enforcement to ensure that all students are shielded from unlawful discrimination,” stated U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon.
“The agency has already commenced Title VI investigations at institutions where there have been reports of widespread antisemitic harassment and Title IX investigations into organizations that allegedly continue to permit sex discrimination; today’s announcement broadens our scope to guarantee that universities are not discriminating against their students based on race and racial stereotypes.”
The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is examining whether these institutions have breached federal laws by collaborating with The PhD Project, a nonprofit organization focused on enhancing diversity among doctoral candidates in business disciplines.
The organization has been criticized for its race-based limitations on participation, according to the department.
In a statement sent to The Epoch Times, a spokesperson for The PhD Project asserted that the organization has devoted the past 30 years to “expanding the pool of workplace talent by developing business school faculty who inspire, mentor, and support future leaders.”
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“Our goal is to cultivate a wider talent pipeline of present and future business leaders committed to excellence and mutual support through networking, mentorship, and distinctive events,” the statement further elaborated. “This year, we have opened our membership application to anyone aligning with that vision.”
The universities under scrutiny for purported “race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs” include a notable list of 45 public and private institutions nationwide, such as Arizona State University, Yale, MIT, Duke, Rutgers, and The Ohio State University.
Moreover, OCR is investigating Grand Valley State University, Ithaca College, New England College of Optometry, University of Alabama, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, University of South Florida, and the University of Tulsa School of Medicine for allegedly offering scholarships tailored explicitly to race.
“Students must be evaluated based on merit and achievement, not predetermined by their skin color,” McMahon continued. “We will remain steadfast in this commitment.”
The investigations follow a “Dear Colleague” letter sent to educational institutions receiving federal funding one month prior. The letter directed universities to refrain from employing racial preferences or stereotypes in admissions, scholarships, hiring, housing, graduation ceremonies, and other campus activities.
“Discrimination based on race, color, or national origin is both illegal and morally unacceptable,” stated the Feb. 14 letter. It further cautioned schools against employing proxies—such as personal essays or extracurricular activities—as indirect means for racial selection.
The Education Department indicated that institutions found in violation of Title VI could jeopardize their federal financial assistance. OCR has mandated universities to ensure compliance and to sever ties with organizations or third-party contractors involved in race-exclusionary practices.
In an emailed response to The Epoch Times, a spokesperson for University of California–Berkeley commented, “UC Berkeley is firmly dedicated to maintaining a campus free from discrimination. We will address any complaints or allegations according to the procedure set by the [Department of Education].”
A representative for Arizona State University also informed The Epoch Times, “The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University notified relevant faculty on February 20 that the school would not be endorsing their travel to the upcoming PhD Project Conference. Additionally, the school is not providing financial support for the PhD Project organization this year.”
The Epoch Times reached out to other prominent universities under investigation for alleged discrimination, including Carnegie Mellon University, Cornell University, Duke University, MIT, New York University, University of Chicago, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and Yale, but did not receive a response by the publication deadline.
