American Civil Rights Project Issues Urgent Warning to Auburn University and Foundational Partners

In a recent letter addressed to Auburn University’s President Christopher Roberts and philanthropist Beth Thorne Stukes, the American Civil Rights Project (ACR Project) raised concerns about what they claim are “illegal, race-based scholarships” at the university.

The ACR Project’s Alabama co-counsel, Ben DuPré, stressed that such scholarships go against the Equal Protection Clause. He pointed out that it’s crucial for Auburn to adhere to laws that safeguard everyone’s rights instead of favoring specific racial groups.

For a time, Auburn’s website showcased several scholarships that favored “underrepresented groups.” In fact, as recently as April, the scholarship page listed 64 scholarships with racial criteria. Although the university has since removed the search feature that identified these scholarships, the opportunities remain available.

Dan Morenoff, the executive director of the ACR Project, explained that Alabama courts view foundations related to universities as part of the institutions themselves. Therefore, simply transferring scholarship administration to a foundation doesn’t exempt the university from legal scrutiny regarding potential racial discrimination.

The ACR Project’s letter highlights serious questions about whether Auburn is violating federal laws with these scholarships. It’s a critical moment for the university, as the community and stakeholders await a thorough examination of their scholarship practices.

These developments resonate with ongoing national conversations about race and equity in education. In recent discussions, many universities are reevaluating their scholarship criteria to ensure compliance with federal laws. A study by the Pew Research Center found that over 60% of Americans believe that race should not be a factor in college admissions, reflecting a broader societal push for fairness and inclusion.

This situation at Auburn University serves as a reminder of the ongoing debates surrounding diversity initiatives in the education sector. Engaging with these discussions can help build a more equitable future for all students.

For more details, you can read the full letter from the ACR Project here.

Source link

AUBURN UNIVERSITY, American Civil Rights Project, CHRISTOPHER ROBERTS