Department of Education Investigations
The Department of Education said Friday that it had launched investigations into alleged race-based discrimination at three California universities and 49 other colleges nationwide as the Trump administration pushes schools to eliminate campus diversity, equity and inclusion programs that it says hurt white and Asian American students.
California Universities Under Investigation
The investigations — at UC Berkeley, Cal Poly Humboldt and Cal State San Bernardino — come roughly a month after the department issued a memo threatening to revoke federal funding to schools that support DEI efforts and consider race in campus programming — including advertising minority-focused scholarships, or holding graduation ceremonies for cultural groups, such as Black and Latino students.
Nationwide Investigations
In addition to the California universities, the investigations target public and private campuses in 40 states and Washington, D.C.
Statement from Education Secretary
“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” said a statement from Education Secretary Linda McMahon. “We will not yield on this commitment.”
PhD Project Investigation
The California cases and the vast majority of those nationally zero in on partnerships the department said campuses have with the PhD Project, a New Jersey-based nonprofit that promotes “workplace diversity by increasing the diversity of business school faculty who encourage, mentor and enhance the preparation of tomorrow’s leaders,” according to its website.
Response from Universities
UC Berkeley spokesman Dan Mogulof said the school has “an unwavering commitment to having a campus free of discrimination. We will respond to any complaints or allegations through the process prescribed by the DOE.” Amy Bentley-Smith, a spokeswoman for the California State University system, said “CSU has recently learned of the investigations and will be reviewing and seeking to understand the nature of the claim and will cooperate with the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights in any investigation. The CSU continues to comply with longstanding applicable federal and state laws and CSU policies and does not discriminate or provide preferences on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.”
PhD Project Response
In a statement, a spokesperson for the PhD Project said applications were, as of this year, “open to anyone.” The spokesperson did not respond to a question about when the change occurred. “For the last 30 years, The PhD Project has worked to expand the pool of workplace talent by developing business school faculty who inspire, mentor, and support tomorrow’s leaders,” said Vivian King, the organization’s spokesperson. “Our vision is to create a broader talent pipeline of current and future business leaders who are committed to excellence and to each other, through networking, mentorship, and unique events.”
Additional Investigations
The department Friday also announced separate investigations into six universities over allegations of awarding “impermissible race-based scholarships” and one for allegedly “administering a program that segregates students on the basis of race.” Those universities are: Grand Valley State University; Ithaca College; New England College of Optometry; the University of Alabama; the University of Minnesota Twin Cities; and the University of South Florida.
Trump Administration’s Guidance
The actions are the first investigations since the Trump administration released a letter a month ago telling all U.S. universities and school districts that using “race in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life” violates anti-discrimination law.
Conclusion
The Department of Education’s investigations into alleged race-based discrimination at California universities and other colleges nationwide mark a significant development in the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate campus diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The investigations and guidance from the administration have sparked controversy and concern among educators and students, who argue that such programs are essential for promoting diversity and inclusion on campus.
FAQs
Q: Which California universities are under investigation?
A: UC Berkeley, Cal Poly Humboldt, and Cal State San Bernardino are under investigation.
Q: What is the PhD Project?
A: The PhD Project is a New Jersey-based nonprofit that promotes workplace diversity by increasing the diversity of business school faculty.
Q: What is the Trump administration’s guidance on diversity, equity and inclusion programs?
A: The Trump administration has released a letter stating that using race in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life violates anti-discrimination law.
Q: How many universities are under investigation nationwide?
A: 52 universities are under investigation nationwide, including 3 in California.
Q: What are the potential consequences for universities found to be in violation of anti-discrimination law?
A: Universities found to be in violation of anti-discrimination law may face federal funding cuts or other penalties.
