U of U one of 45 universities under federal investigation for ‘race-exclusionary practices’

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — The University of Utah is one of 45 universities under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights for alleged “race-exclusionary practices” in their graduate programs, according to a Friday announcement.

The federal department announced the investigations in a press release, stating that the 45 universities in question are accused of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act through partnering with “The PhD Project.”

The PhD Project is an organization founded more than three decades ago that aims to assist PhD students by providing resources and networking opportunities. The department claims they also limit participants’ eligibility based on race.

According to the Associated Press, the PhD Project said it works to “create a broader talent pipeline of current and future business leaders who are committed to excellence and to each other.” It said this year it opened its membership applications “to anyone who shares that vision.”

In addition to the investigations related to the PhD Project, the department announced that seven other universities are being investigated for alleged race-based scholarships and segregation, bringing the total of recently announced investigations to more than 50.

These are the latest in a series of investigations into alleged discriminatory policies. The department has stated that educational institutions must “cease using race preferences and stereotypes as a factor” in admissions, hiring, and scholarships, among other things, or risk losing federal funding.

“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin. We will not yield on this commitment,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said.

The U of U released a statement in response to the department’s press release saying the university changed the way it operates last year after the Utah Legislature ended diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs. It said it closed its identity-based cultural centers and changed student services to comply with the new local law.

“The University of Utah is aware of the investigation into U.S. colleges and universities who have worked with The PhD Project to make advanced business education accessible to students from underrepresented groups,” the university said. “We will respond to federal investigators in the course of the investigation.”

The Associated Press and Yeonseung Kim contributed to this story.