The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) announced an investigation into Emory University and 44 other higher education institutions for possible violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
OCR initiated its investigation on March 14, citing allegations that graduate programs engaged in university partnerships and diversity initiatives that may involve “racial preferences and stereotypes.” Specifically, OCR is investigating Emory for engaging in race-exclusionary practices. Title VI prohibits institutions that receive federal financial assistance from discrimination based on race, color or national origin.
OCR’s allegations against Emory center around the University’s partnership with The PhD Project, a nonprofit organization that supports students earning doctoral degrees in business. OCR claims the organization limited eligibility based on participants’ race and disadvantaged applicants who do not identify as underrepresented minorities.
OCR is also investigating six other institutions for “impermissible race-based scholarships” and one university for administering a segregated student program.
The investigation comes as U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration attempts to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in higher education.
Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement that the department is committed to ensuring students are evaluated based on their achievements rather than race in college admissions.
“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” McMahon said. “We will not yield on this commitment.”
Just over two months ago, under the Biden administration, Emory and OCR reached an agreement concerning allegations of anti-Muslim discrimination. The complaint centered on alleged violations of Title VI related to harassment, doxxing and vandalism targeting Muslim students.
As part of the resolution, Emory agreed to take corrective actions, including revising its nondiscrimination policies, improving its anti-discrimination training and clarifying its campus protest policies. However, the agreement did not indicate whether Emory had officially violated Title VI.
Emory did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
