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The Department of Education investigates 45 universities, including the University of Michigan, for possible Title VI Investigations and civil rights violations tied to race-based practices.
Title VI Civil Rights Investigations Begin Nationwide
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has opened investigations into 45 universities nationwide, alleging violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This action, announced on March 14, focuses on race-based preferences, scholarships, and alleged discriminatory practices within higher education. These Title VI Investigations are focused on ensuring compliance with federal civil rights laws.
The investigations are tied directly to a February 14 “Dear Colleague” Letter (DCL), issued by the OCR, which outlined the administration’s firm stance against race-conscious policies and race-based preferences. This letter aligns with Executive Order 14173, signed by former President Trump in January 2025, to end discrimination and reinforce merit-based opportunities.
The institutions under investigation include prominent schools like University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Yale University, Duke University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), among others. Additionally, Michigan’s Grand Valley State University faces scrutiny over allegedly impermissible race-based scholarships.
The Ph.D. Project’s Role Under Scrutiny
Central to the investigations is the collaboration between these institutions and “The Ph.D. Project”, a nonprofit organization designed to increase diversity within academia by supporting minority doctoral candidates. OCR alleges that the organization restricts eligibility based on race, potentially violating Title VI provisions against racial discrimination in federally funded programs.
“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” said Linda McMahon, U.S. Secretary of Education. “We will not yield on this commitment.”
Michigan Universities Face Federal Inquiry
In Michigan, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, one of the state’s flagship institutions, is specifically listed among those being investigated for involvement with The Ph.D. Project. Grand Valley State University, meanwhile, faces allegations of offering scholarships based solely on race, a practice explicitly prohibited under federal law.
These developments highlight a significant policy shift from earlier diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Higher education institutions across the U.S. have begun to reevaluate or dismantle DEI programs due to the potential financial repercussions, including losing federal funding, as outlined in the DCL.
Broader Civil Rights Enforcement Context
These latest Title VI investigations follow earlier federal actions against universities accused of antisemitic harassment and violations of Title IX provisions against sex discrimination. The OCR’s ongoing investigations reflect the Biden administration’s broader commitment to enforcing civil rights laws more stringently across educational sectors.
Institutions found violating Title VI may risk losing substantial federal funding, underscoring the high stakes involved in these probes.
Related News and Broader Context
This action comes amid increasing political scrutiny of affirmative action and race-conscious policies in education, highlighting a national debate over equity, inclusion, and the permissible limits of diversity initiatives.
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