US Education Department Investigates 50+ Universities for DEI Practices

The U.S. Department of Education has launched investigations into over 50 universities, including institutions like the University of South Florida, University of Kansas, and New York University, as part of an initiative by the Trump administration aimed at ending diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The investigations stem from allegations of racial discrimination and 'race-exclusionary practices,' particularly in partnerships with the PhD Project, which focuses on supporting underrepresented groups in business education. Education Secretary Linda McMahon emphasized that students should be evaluated on merit rather than race, warning schools could lose federal funding if they continue using race-based preferences in admissions and scholarships. Affected universities, including notable ones like Yale and Duke, face scrutiny for their ties to DEI initiatives, while some states, including Kansas and Kentucky, have passed legislation aiming to dismantle such programs. Critics argue that the federal crackdown on DEI could lead to further legal challenges, as highlighted by guidance from New York's Attorney General on the legal grounds of these investigations. The situation remains fluid as universities respond to these inquiries and adapt their policies accordingly.