Old Main building on the University of Arkansas campus. Photo: Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
The federal Department of Education is investigating 45 colleges, including the University of Arkansas, 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.
The letter comes after the Education Department warned 60 colleges, including Harvard and Yale, that their federal funds could be cut if they don't address allegations of antisemitic harassment on campus.
What they're saying: "We look forward to working with the Department of Education to ensure compliance with applicable law," University of Arkansas spokesperson John Thomas told Axios in an email.
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 Ph.D. Project, an organization that "purports to provide doctoral students with insights into obtaining a Ph.D. and networking opportunities, but limits eligibility based on the race of participants," according to the Education Department.
The Ph.D. Project did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
The big picture: The Trump administration targeting DEI practices comes after the Supreme Court in 2023 overturned affirmative action in college admissions.
