According to a report from Axios Salt Lake City, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is investigating the University of Utah following allegations that several university programs unlawfully excluded students based on race.
The Equal Protection Project of the Legal Insurrection Foundation, a conservative advocacy group based in Rhode Island, filed a complaint that launched the investigation. The organization claims that the U limited several scholarships, events and academic initiatives to specific racial or ethnic groups, primarily Black, Indigenous and other students of color. Such restrictions could potentially violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin in programs receiving federal funding.
In a statement to Axios, the U confirmed that it fully cooperates with the federal investigation and reviews the programs in question. “The University of Utah is committed to providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment while complying with all federal and state laws,” a university spokesperson said.
Among the programs under review is the African American Doctoral Scholars Initiative, which offers mentoring, networking and funding opportunities for Black doctoral students. While supporters argue the initiative addresses systemic barriers in academia, critics say race-based eligibility may conflict with federal nondiscrimination laws.
The Equal Protection Project advocates for “equal treatment regardless of race or ethnicity” and claims that at least 14 university programs may not comply with federal guidelines. William Jacobson, the group’s founder and a clinical professor at Cornell Law School, said in a statement, “We are concerned that the University of Utah has embraced exclusionary practices in the name of equity. This is not just legally questionable, it’s morally wrong.”
However, supporters of the programs emphasized their role in correcting historical inequities. “Programs like these are designed to uplift historically marginalized communities,” said Dr. Angela Reyes, a professor of educational policy at the U. “Equity doesn’t mean treating everyone the same — it means ensuring everyone has what they need to succeed.”
Campus Response
Beyond the investigation itself, programs under review have spoken up. The U’s Latinx Student Union voiced that they will not be silenced and they aren’t going anywhere, regardless of hateful actions, in their statement.
“Without university support and a lack of DEI programs, searching for funding is more difficult and limiting. These efforts have undermined our community outreach efforts and have made it almost impossible to create belonging on campus. These attacks on DEI send the message that our presence, our cultures and our voices are not valued. That message is one we vehemently reject,” said the LSU board.
Additionally, this investigation is part of a broader trend across U.S. higher education institutions, particularly in the wake of the Supreme Court’s 2023 Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard College decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions. Since then, legal and political pressure has shifted toward diversity-focused scholarships, mentorship initiatives and career development programs.
Student reactions on campus have been mixed. “It’s frustrating to see diversity initiatives being challenged like this,” said Jordan W., a senior majoring in sociology. “These programs helped me feel seen and supported.” However, others believe the investigation is justified. “If the university is breaking the law, it needs to be addressed,” said Daniel H., a political science student.
The Office for Civil Rights has not announced a timeline for its findings. The University of Utah stated it will share updates as more information becomes available.
k.keith@dailyutahchronicle.com
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