US investigates 45 universities over alleged race-based programs

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) – The US Department of Education has opened investigations into 45 universities for alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits race-based discrimination in federally funded programs.

The investigations, announced on Friday, focus on claims of race-exclusionary preferences, scholarships, and segregation.

The probe follows a Feb. 14 “Dear Colleague Letter” from the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), which reiterated that schools must end the use of racial preferences and stereotypes in admissions, hiring, scholarships, and other activities.

Institutions under investigation over partnering with “The Ph.D. Project,” - an organization that aims to provide doctoral students with insights into obtaining a doctoral degree and networking opportunities - include Cornell University, Duke University, Georgetown University, MIT, NYU, Rice University, Rutgers University, and Yale University.

“The Department is working to reorient civil rights enforcement to ensure all students are protected from illegal discrimination,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon.

The investigations also target six universities for alleged race-based scholarships and one for a program accused of segregating students by race.

The move aligns with the Donald Trump administration’s broader anti-DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies, which aim to eliminate race-conscious practices in education and employment. Critics argue these efforts undermine efforts to address systemic inequalities.