The U.S. Department of Education announced on Friday, March 14th, that it is investigating more than 50 universities for alleged racial discrimination, targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.
Officials are examining 45 universities over their partnerships with The PhD Project, a nonprofit that helps underrepresented students pursue business doctoral degrees. The department says the program excludes students based on race, potentially making participating schools noncompliant with federal law. Seven other schools face scrutiny for offering race-based scholarships and are accused of racial segregation.
The department is reviewing whether these institutions violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in federally funded education programs. A memo from the department warned that schools implementing race-based preferences could face funding cuts if found to have violated federal law.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the administration’s stance, stating, “Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin.” She added, “We will not yield on this commitment.”
Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, previously criticized DEI programs, asserting that they introduce “racial stereotypes and explicit race-consciousness into everyday training, programming and discipline.”
The administration has warned that schools found non-compliant will face funding cuts. The nation’s two largest teachers’ unions have filed lawsuits challenging the directive, arguing that it is vague and restricts educators’ free speech.
The Trump administration has clarified that eliminating race-based education policies will remain a top priority.
