The Trump administration has launched investigations into more than 50 universities over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that officials argue may discriminate against white and Asian students.
The U.S. Department of Education announced the probes on Friday, roughly one month after warning colleges and universities that they must eliminate DEI programs or risk losing federal funding.
Administration officials say the investigations are intended to ensure that admissions, scholarships, and academic opportunities are based on merit rather than race.“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said, emphasizing the department’s commitment to enforcing federal civil rights laws. Of the 52 universities under review, 45 are being examined for their involvement with the PhD Project, an organization that provides doctoral students with guidance and networking opportunities but, according to the department, restricts participation based on race. The universities involved span the country and include institutions such as Yale University, Vanderbilt University, Arizona State University, New York University, the University of Notre Dame, Boise State University, Clemson University, Cornell University, Duke University, and Georgetown University. Six institutions are being investigated for allegedly awarding race-based scholarships, while another is under scrutiny for hosting a program that reportedly separated students by race. The inquiries follow a memorandum from the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights criticizing what it described as discriminatory practices carried out under DEI policies.
