Campbell University Under Fire: Civil Rights Complaint Over Controversial Sex and Race-Based Scholarships

A civil rights complaint is stirring up quite a conversation about Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina. It alleges that the school offers scholarships that may break federal laws by discriminating based on race and gender.

Filed on June 17 by the Equal Protection Project, the complaint has drawn attention to seven scholarships listed on the university’s site. These scholarships have specific requirements linked to the applicants’ characteristics, like race or sex.

The Office for Civil Rights oversees compliance with federal civil rights laws, including Title IX (1972) and Title VI (1964). These laws are meant to ensure equal treatment for all students.

Among the scholarships mentioned are the Joe and Ina Whitehead Pharmacy Scholarship, aimed at minority students, and the Bessie W. Moss Memorial Endowment, which is exclusive to female students pursuing law. Other scholarships favor women in science or limit eligibility to top female students in history. There’s even a nursing endowment that prioritizes men, based on the predominance of women in the field.

William A. Jacobson, founder of the Equal Protection Project, expressed strong concerns. He noted that diversity programs should not cross into unlawful discrimination. “Discrimination is wrong, no matter who it targets,” he said. His organization has previously filed complaints against several universities, including Seattle University and the University of Louisville, over similar issues.

This incident reflects a broader trend in higher education, where institutions often grapple with balancing diversity initiatives and compliance with civil rights laws. According to a recent survey by the American Council on Education, 61% of college leaders reported that they face challenges in implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion programs without straying into discriminatory practices.

As of now, Campbell University has not publicly responded to the complaint, and the outcome remains uncertain. This situation will likely continue to evolve, highlighting the complexities and legal nuances surrounding scholarships and diversity initiatives in education.



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