Over 50 US universities under federal scrutiny in Trump’s anti-DEI initiative

By Dooyum Naadzenga

Over 50 US universities are now facing federal investigations for alleged racial discrimination, part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs.

Trump’s administration claims these programs unfairly exclude white and Asian American students, according to Associated Press, AP.

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The Education Department announced the investigations on Friday, following a memo warning educational institutions that they “risk losing federal funding if they continue to implement “race-based preferences” in admissions, scholarships, or any student-related activities”.

“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” said Education Secretary Linda McMahon. “We will not yield on this commitment.”

Many of the inquiries are centered on universities’ collaborations with the PhD Project, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting students from underrepresented groups in obtaining business degrees. Department officials allege that this partnership limits eligibility based on race, branding it as a “race-exclusionary practice” in graduate programs.