U.S. DOE’s Office of Civil Rights probes 45 universities over racial preference allegations

Published 14/03/2025, 16:52
U.S. DOE’s Office of Civil Rights probes 45 universities over racial preference allegations

Investing.com -- The Office for Civil Rights (OCR), a part of the U.S. Department of Education, has initiated investigations into 45 universities under Title VI. The investigations were launched in response to a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) sent by the OCR on February 14, which reminded schools of their obligation to eliminate the use of racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities. The universities are alleged to have violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) by collaborating with The Ph.D. Project, an organization that offers doctoral students insights on obtaining a Ph.D. and networking opportunities, but restricts eligibility based on the race of the participants.

In addition to the 45 universities, the OCR is also investigating six universities for allegedly granting race-based scholarships that are not allowed, and a single university for allegedly running a program that segregates students by race.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon stated that the Department is working to refocus civil rights enforcement to ensure all students are safeguarded from illegal discrimination. She added that the agency has already initiated Title VI investigations into institutions where widespread antisemitic harassment has been reported, and Title IX investigations into entities that allegedly continue to allow sex discrimination. McMahon emphasized that students should be evaluated based on merit and achievement, not by the color of their skin.

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