Introduction to the Investigation
The University of South Florida faces a federal investigation over a scholarship available only to Black and Hispanic graduate students — a probe targeting a 40-year-old program that has been touted as a success by the state.
The scholarship is offered by eight other Florida universities, and it is not clear why the U.S. Department of Education took issue only with USF. Other universities with the scholarship program include the University of Central Florida, Florida State University and the University of Florida.
Background of the Investigation
In its letter to USF, first reported by the Tampa Bay Times, the federal agency said on March 13 that its Office of Civil Rights received a complaint that the Tampa university “discriminates against students based on race” by its promotion and involvement with the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship. The agency did not respond to an emailed request for comment.
The McKnight Doctoral Fellowship
The probe comes after the education department sent a February memo to all universities and schools receiving federal funds telling them they “must cease using race preferences and stereotypes as a factor in their admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, sanctions, discipline, and beyond.” Then, last Friday, the U.S. Department of Education announced that 45 universities and colleges were under investigation for working with “The PhD Project,” an organization that “seeks to increase diversity in the business world” by helping “historically underrepresented” students get doctoral degrees and then jobs teaching.
Response from the Education Department
It also said five universities, including USF, faced scrutiny for their involvement with “impermissible race-based scholarships” — the first public notice of the McKnight Fellowship probe. “Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement about the two investigations. “We will not yield on this commitment.”
Details of the McKnight Fellowship
The McKnight Fellowship, founded in 1984 and funded in part through the state legislature, has helped more than 1,600 Black and Hispanic students earn PhDs, according to a budget document from the Florida Department of Education. The fellowship’s goal is to “address the under-representation of African American and Hispanic faculty at colleges and universities in Florida by increasing the pool of candidates qualified with Ph.D. degrees to teach at the college and university levels,” a program flyer says. Students awarded the fellowship receive up to $5,000 each semester for five academic years, plus an annual stipend of $13,000, the flyer says.
Reaction from Universities
USF did not respond to a request for comment. But in a statement to WUSF on Tuesday, spokesperson Ryan Hughes said that the university was reviewing the letter from the federal agency and “will fully cooperate with the review,” and “continue to work with the state and federal governments to comply with all guidance, policies and laws.” Hughes said the McKnight Fellowship was a “longstanding program that is offered at numerous colleges and universities in Florida and is permitted under state law.” UCF has not received a letter from the education department about the scholarship, spokesperson Courtney Gilmartin said. Earlier this week, the university website included information about the McKnight Fellowship but by Wednesday clicking on that section led to an error message.
Other Universities’ Involvement
FSU also has not received a letter about the scholarship, said Amy Farnum-Patronis, a university spokesperson, in an email. UF did not respond to a request for comment. Both FSU and UF still had information on the McKnight Fellowship available on their websites this week, with FSU highlighting students who’d successfully completed their PhDs with help from the scholarship. One biomedical sciences PhD candidate wrote that the McKnight scholarship helped her research more efficient cancer therapies. “The McKnight Doctoral Fellowship is giving me the platform to make a difference by allowing me to further my education and giving me the resources to do so,” she wrote.
Conclusion
The investigation into the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship at USF and other universities raises important questions about the role of race-based scholarships in promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education. While the fellowship has been successful in helping over 1,600 Black and Hispanic students earn PhDs, the federal education department’s probe highlights the ongoing debate over the use of race-based preferences in admissions and financial aid. As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen how the outcome will impact the future of the McKnight Fellowship and other similar programs.
FAQs
- Q: What is the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship?
A: The McKnight Doctoral Fellowship is a scholarship program that provides financial support to Black and Hispanic graduate students pursuing PhDs at participating universities in Florida. - Q: Why is the US Department of Education investigating the McKnight Fellowship?
A: The investigation is in response to a complaint that the fellowship discriminates against students based on race, and the education department’s memo stating that universities must cease using race preferences and stereotypes in admissions, hiring, and financial aid. - Q: How many universities participate in the McKnight Fellowship program?
A: Eight universities in Florida participate in the program, including USF, UCF, FSU, and UF. - Q: What is the goal of the McKnight Fellowship?
A: The goal of the fellowship is to address the under-representation of African American and Hispanic faculty at colleges and universities in Florida by increasing the pool of candidates qualified with PhD degrees to teach at the college and university levels. - Q: What is the outcome of the investigation?
A: The outcome of the investigation is still pending, and it remains to be seen how it will impact the future of the McKnight Fellowship and other similar programs.
