Dept. of Education Launches Investigations Into 45 Universities Over Alleged Race-Based Policies

The investigations follow recent guidance emphasizing universities must end race-based programs or risk losing federal funds.

The campus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., on July 8, 2020. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The U.S. Department of Education has opened investigations into 45 universities accused of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by participating in programs or activities that allegedly discriminate based on race, the department announced on Friday, March 14.

“The Department is working to reorient civil rights enforcement to ensure all students are protected from illegal discrimination,” U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said.