Discover the 3 DC-Area Universities Under Investigation for Collaboration with Diversity-Focused PhD Organization

The Department of Education is now investigating 45 universities, including three in the D.C. area, for potential violations of Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This act prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.

The investigations are linked to the schools’ involvement with "The PhD Project," an organization that supports underrepresented students in earning doctoral degrees. Founded in 1994, The PhD Project has helped around 1,500 members achieve their PhDs. The organization focuses on increasing diversity in business education by creating networks and providing mentorship.

The Department claims that by partnering with this organization, the universities may be engaging in race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs. This has raised questions about whether they are violating the rights of students based on race.

In a recent memo, the Office for Civil Rights highlighted that schools must not discriminate in their admissions and diversity programs. They pointed to a Supreme Court case, Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which overturned longstanding policies supporting affirmative action. The court’s ruling means that schools now have to reconsider how they factor race into their admissions.

Looking at the data, surveys show that many students support diversity initiatives in education. According to a Pew Research study from last year, 66% of respondents believe that college admissions should consider race to help level the playing field. Critics argue that such practices still lead to discrimination, underscoring the ongoing debate.

So far, the Department has listed 45 universities under investigation for their diversity programs. The list includes known institutions like Cornell, Duke, and Georgetown. Additionally, six other schools are being looked at for their race-based scholarships, while one is being checked for a program that segregates students by race.

Linda McMahon, the new education secretary, emphasized the importance of protecting all students from discrimination. She stated, “Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin.”

This situation highlights a significant moment in the conversation about race and equality in higher education—one that balances the goals of increasing diversity against the principles of non-discrimination. As these investigations unfold, it will be interesting to see how universities adapt and what changes might come in policies regarding diversity and inclusion efforts.

For those interested in a deeper dive, the Department of Education’s official page provides full details on the investigations and the implications for institutions involved.

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Diversity & Equality, Education, Maryland, Trump administration, Washington DC