DOJ Opens Investigation Into Suspected Race-Based Practices at Arizona State University

Viral videos led to the latest investigation of DEI initiatives at the public university, DOJ officials said.

View of the campus of Arizona State University, a public research university located in Phoenix, Arizona. Shutterstock

The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has launched a Title VI investigation into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices at Arizona State University (ASU), one of the country’s largest public universities.

Wednesday’s announcement comes after recent viral videos that appear to show university personnel participating in or concealing the handling of distinguishing students by race, color, or national origin. Federal officials noted the videos raised the prospect that ASU may have violated civil rights protections while benefiting from considerable taxpayer support.