Trump administration officials are turning their attention to higher education with a sweeping investigation into university diversity programs. The Department of Education has launched probes targeting dozens of prestigious institutions over concerns these programs discriminate against white students – and these universities now face the very real possibility of losing their federal funding if they’re found to be breaking the law.
At a glance:
• The Department of Education is investigating over 50 universities, including Ivy League schools, over diversity programs
• The investigation focuses on potential violations of the 1964 Civil Rights Act
• Education Secretary Linda McMahon aims to protect all students from discrimination
• The probe includes additional investigations into race-based scholarships and alleged segregation at seven schools
• The department is also investigating 60 colleges for alleged anti-Semitic harassment
Universities Face Federal Scrutiny
The Trump administration’s Department of Education has launched investigations into over 50 universities over diversity, equity, and inclusion programs that allegedly discriminate against white students. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting all students from illegal discrimination and ensuring merit-based assessment in academic institutions.
The investigation targets some of America’s most prestigious schools, including Ivy League institutions Cornell and Yale, alongside MIT, the University of Chicago, and UC Berkeley. These universities are accused of potentially violating the 1964 Civil Rights Act through their collaboration with The PhD Project, which allegedly limits program eligibility based on race.
And they could be in very big trouble.
Broader Push Against Discrimination
The Department of Education has told schools that racial discrimination in educational institutions will not be tolerated under the current administration. An additional investigation involves seven schools over alleged race-based scholarships and segregation practices that may violate federal civil rights laws.
The department has also opened investigations into 60 colleges for alleged anti-Semitic harassment and discrimination, showing a comprehensive approach to addressing various forms of prejudice. The Trump administration recently cut $400 million in federal grants to Columbia University, citing the institution’s failure to protect Jewish students amid protests against Israel’s actions in Gaza.
These investigations come as part of President Trump’s broader agenda to dismantle federal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across government and educational institutions. Earlier in his administration, Trump ended numerous federal DEI programs, arguing they disadvantage white people, particularly men, and undermine merit-based systems.
Finally, our universities know that they are expected to follow the law and provide equal opportunities to everybody.
