In a sweeping move that’s shaking up the education landscape, the U.S. Department of Education has launched investigations into over 50 universities over allegations of racial discrimination. This development comes as part of former President Donald Trump’s broader campaign to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which his administration argues unfairly disadvantage white and Asian American students.
A Crackdown on Race-Based Policies in Education
The investigations, announced on Friday, come just a month after the Education Department issued a firm warning to schools and colleges nationwide. The message? Institutions risk losing federal funding if they engage in “race-based preferences” in admissions, scholarships, or any other part of student life.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon made the administration’s stance crystal clear:
“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin. We will not yield on this commitment.”
This signals a strict interpretation of a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down race-conscious admissions policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. While the court’s decision focused on admissions, the Education Department is now applying it to every facet of education, from financial aid to student programs and beyond.
The PhD Project Under the Microscope
A major focus of these investigations is the PhD Project, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing diversity in the business world by helping underrepresented students earn graduate degrees. The program, which partners with several universities, is now under scrutiny for allegedly limiting eligibility based on race.
Department officials argue that by collaborating with the PhD Project, universities are effectively participating in race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs. Among the 45 colleges facing scrutiny over these ties are some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, including:
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Arizona State University
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Ohio State University
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Rutgers University
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Yale University
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Cornell University
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Duke University
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
A request for comment from the PhD Project was not immediately returned.
More Universities in the Hot Seat
In addition to the universities linked to the PhD Project, seven other institutions are being investigated for either awarding what the department calls “impermissible race-based scholarships” or running programs that allegedly segregate students based on race. The colleges under review include:
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Grand Valley State University
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Ithaca College
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New England College of Optometry
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University of Alabama
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University of Minnesota
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University of South Florida
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University of Tulsa School of Medicine
While it remains unclear which specific college is facing allegations of segregation, this aspect of the probe has raised serious concerns among educators and policymakers.
The Legal Battle Over DEI Policies
This aggressive push against race-based educational policies stems from a February 14 memo issued by the Trump administration’s Education Department. The memo significantly broadened the scope of last year’s Supreme Court ruling, interpreting it as a ban on race-conscious policies not just in admissions, but in every corner of the education system—spanning K-12 schools and higher education institutions.
Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights, argued that many diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives have effectively “smuggled racial stereotypes and explicit race-consciousness into everyday training, programming, and discipline.”
However, this directive is now facing strong legal challenges. The two largest teachers’ unions in the country have filed federal lawsuits, arguing that the memo’s wording is too vague and infringes upon educators' free speech rights. Critics say that banning DEI programs entirely could stifle important conversations about racial inequality and systemic barriers in education.
What This Means for the Future of Higher Education
This crackdown has sparked a heated national debate over the role of race in education. Supporters of the investigations argue that merit-based systems ensure fairness and prevent racial discrimination against certain groups, particularly white and Asian American students. They believe universities should base admissions and financial aid solely on individual achievement rather than racial identity.
On the other hand, proponents of DEI initiatives insist that programs designed to uplift underrepresented groups are essential for leveling the playing field. They argue that rolling back these programs could reduce opportunities for Black, Hispanic, and Native American students, ultimately reversing decades of progress toward racial equity in education.
The Bigger Picture
This wave of investigations underscores the growing political battle over DEI policies in American institutions. While Trump’s administration pushed for the elimination of race-conscious programs, President Joe Biden’s administration has strongly supported DEI initiatives, calling them critical for fostering inclusive learning environments. If these legal challenges proceed, they could set major precedents for how colleges and universities approach race-related policies in the years to come.
For now, universities under investigation face an uncertain future as they navigate this politically charged landscape. Whether this move will lead to sweeping changes in higher education or fizzle out in legal battles remains to be seen. What’s clear, though, is that the conversation around race, equity, and meritocracy in education isn’t going away anytime soon.
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