Trump administration targets 45 colleges for their DEI programs
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The Department of Education said Friday it is investigating 45 colleges over allegations that they participated in "race-exclusionary practices."
Why it matters: It's the latest attempt by the Trump administration to crack down on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, which have been repeatedly targeted since Trump came into office.
- Framing schools' DEI programs, which are meant to provide equal opportunities for students of color, as "race-exclusionary" also aligns with some Trump allies' desire to reinterpret Civil Rights-era laws to focus on "anti-white racism" rather than discrimination against people of color, Axios' Alex Thompson has reported.
- The letter comes after the Education Department warned 60 colleges, including Harvard and Yale, their federal funds could be cut if they don't address allegations of antisemitic harassment on campus.
Driving the news: The department said in a statement that the schools were being investigated for potentially violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which obliges schools that receive federal funds to provide students with an environment free of discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
- The schools allegedly violated the law by partnering with the organization The Ph.D. Project, which "purports to provide doctoral students with insights into obtaining a Ph.D. and networking opportunities, but limits eligibility based on the race of participants."
- The Ph.D. Project did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
- The department is also investigating six colleges for allegedly awarding "race-based scholarships" and another for "administering a program that segregates students on the basis of race."
The big picture: The Trump administration targeting DEI practices comes after the Supreme Court in 2023 overturned affirmative action in college admissions.
- The Trump administration has also targeted the use of diversity and affirmative action practices in the federal government.
Go deeper: Trump's DEI order raises fears of anti-diversity "witch hunt"
