UNT under federal DEI investigation
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The University of North Texas is among roughly 45 universities under federal investigation over allegations that they participated in "race-exclusionary practices."
Why it matters: The investigation is part of a broader Trump administration push to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts, which have been repeatedly targeted since President Trump entered office.
- A Texas law that took effect last year bans public universities from maintaining offices and programs that support historically underrepresented groups, including people of color or members of the LGBTQ community.
State of play: The schools are being investigated for possibly violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin at federally funded institutions, the U.S. Department of Education said.
- The schools are being accused of violating the law by working with The PhD Project, an organization the education department says "purports to provide doctoral students with insights into obtaining a Ph.D. and networking opportunities but limits eligibility based on the race of participants."
Threat level: Schools found to be in violation of Title VI could lose federal funding.
Context: The PhD Project was founded in 1994 to increase diversity in business schools.
Catch up quick: Gov. Greg Abbott threatened the Texas A&M University president's job earlier this year on claims the school was violating state law banning DEI programs.
- The university typically sent people to the PhD Project's annual conference, and the school's lawyer found the conference would be allowed under the law's recruitment exemptions, per the Texas Tribune.
- Other public colleges, including the University of Texas and UNT, participated in the conference in the past but won't this year.
- A&M ultimately changed plans to send anyone to the conference.
Zoom in: UNT says it is cooperating with the Department of Education investigation and is no longer affiliated with the PhD Project.
The big picture: Texas is one of multiple states passing anti-DEI laws to prohibit diversity programs in public schools and colleges.
- The same Houston-area state senator who authored Senate Bill 17 — to ban DEI at Texas public universities — has written a similar bill for K-12 public education. It's currently in committee.
The other side: Washington and New Mexico have passed bills requiring higher education institutions to offer training on DEI or antiracism.