The Trump administration is reportedly investigating over 50 universities for potential discrimination against white and Asian students in their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.
The Department of Education announced these investigations on Friday, following a directive that universities must abolish their DEI programs or risk losing federal funding.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon asserted that student assessments should be based on merit and accomplishments rather than race.
The inquiry involves 52 institutions, with 45 under scrutiny for their association with the PhD Project, an organization that claims to support doctoral students but allegedly restricts participation based on race.
Among the universities being investigated are notable institutions such as Yale, Vanderbilt, Arizona State, and New York University.
Additionally, six universities are facing inquiries for allegedly providing “impermissible race-based scholarships,” while one has reportedly hosted a racially segregated program.
Institutions like the University of Alabama and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities are included in these investigations.
This action follows a memo from the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, which criticized educational institutions for discriminatory practices against white and Asian students, many of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Craig Trainor, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, stated that these institutions have justified such discrimination under the guise of DEI initiatives, integrating racial stereotypes into their training and programming.
The investigations highlight a significant shift in the administration’s approach to educational equity, emphasizing accountability for policies that may unfairly disadvantage certain racial groups.
As the administration pursues these inquiries, it aims to reinforce its commitment to merit-based evaluations in educational settings.
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