
U.S. Department of Education Investigates Universities Over DEI Practices
The U.S. Department of Education has launched investigations into several universities, including the University of New Mexico and Ohio State University, for alleged racial discrimination related to their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices. These probes come in the wake of former President Donald Trump's administration targeting The PhD Project, a nonprofit aimed at increasing diversity in business school faculties, which had partnerships with these institutions.
The investigations focus on whether these universities' DEI initiatives have led to exclusionary practices against certain racial groups. The University of New Mexico, for example, is under scrutiny for its race-related policies, while Ohio State University faces allegations of racial discrimination due to its partnership with The PhD Project.
The Trump administration's actions against The PhD Project, including cutting ties with colleges that worked with the nonprofit, have sparked a broader debate about the role of DEI in higher education. Critics argue that such initiatives may inadvertently discriminate, while supporters maintain that they are essential for promoting diversity and equity in academia.