In a significant move by the U.S. Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), an investigation has been launched into 45 universities across the nation, including the University of New Mexico (UNM). These universities are accused of engaging in “race-exclusionary practices” within their graduate programs, leading to allegations of Title VI violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which strictly prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. The investigation follows a directive from the OCR for educational institutions to dismantle race-based programs or risk losing federal funding.
Scope of Allegations
The allegations against these universities stem from their purported collaboration with the PhD Project, a nonprofit organization that aims to support historically underrepresented candidates in obtaining Ph.D. degrees. This affiliation is at the core of the Title VI violation claims. However, the investigation is not limited to the PhD Project alone. It potentially includes other university programs designed to support minority students. Furthermore, the OCR has initiated probes into six universities for allegedly awarding race-based scholarships and one university suspected of operating a program that segregates students by race.
In light of this, the institutions under investigation are required to provide detailed information regarding their association with the PhD Project by the OCR’s specified deadline. The reach of these investigations raises significant concerns about the future of minority-supportive programs and the overall approach towards fostering diversity in higher education. The involvement of UNM, in particular, is garnering attention due to its status as a Hispanic-serving institution, which might make the implications of this investigation more severe for the university compared to others.
UNM Response
Cinnamon Blair, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at UNM, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to prohibiting unlawful discrimination and expressed UNM’s intention to fully cooperate with the OCR investigation. At this point, it remains uncertain whether UNM has any formal association with the PhD Project, and if so, to what extent. The university’s cooperation notwithstanding, the ongoing investigation and its potential consequences are areas of concern for UNM administrators and stakeholders.
Yolanda Gallegos, an attorney who specializes in education law, provided insights into the broader implications of the investigation for UNM. She pointed out that the examination by OCR could surpass the specific issue of the university’s connection to the PhD Project and potentially impact other minority-supportive programs at the institution. As a Hispanic-serving university, UNM’s foundational premise is acknowledging and addressing systemic racism, an acknowledgment that might be at odds with the current administration’s stance on systemic racism.
Broader Implications
The broader implications of the investigation extend beyond the institutions’ specific collaborations and could include other minority-supportive initiatives aimed at addressing systemic racism. Systemic racism, as defined by the journal “Health Affairs,” is deeply rooted within systems, laws, policies, and entrenched practices, leading to widespread unfair treatment and oppression of people of color.
Gallegos emphasized that if systemic racism is dismissed, it in turn nullifies the perceived necessity for special programs dedicated to specific minority groups. Recent actions by the Education Department serve as a precedent and indicate a rigorous application of Title VI regulations. Earlier this month, the department rescinded $400 million in federal grants for Columbia University due to a separate Title VI investigation, demonstrating the serious measures being taken in response to perceived violations. This action has the potential to significantly influence other institutions under scrutiny, including UNM.
Federal Funding Concerns
Blair disclosed that UNM received $383 million in direct and indirect federal funding in 2024, highlighting the critical importance of federal support to the university’s operations. With the OCR’s deadline requiring universities to provide detailed information regarding their association with the PhD Project approaching, the investigations might extend over a protracted period. The possibility of losing federal funding is a significant concern for all the institutions under scrutiny, given the substantial financial impact such a loss would entail.
These developments have sparked widespread apprehension across multiple higher education institutions, resulting in a heightened focus on compliance and adherence to federal regulations. The investigations underscore the importance of maintaining transparent and non-discriminatory practices within their programs, while also raising questions about the future of initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion.
Potential Impact on Universities
In an important move by the U.S. Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), an investigation has begun involving 45 universities nationwide, including the University of New Mexico (UNM). These universities face accusations of implementing “race-exclusionary practices” in their graduate programs, leading to allegations of Title VI violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This Act strictly forbids discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in programs and activities that obtain federal financial support. The OCR has directed these institutions to eliminate race-based programs or face the potential loss of federal funding. The investigation aims to ensure that all students have equal opportunities, aligning with federal funding requirements and promoting fairness across educational programs. This step emphasizes the government’s commitment to uphold the principles of equality and non-discrimination in education.
