University of Kentucky among schools under civil rights investigation by Trump administration

by Sarah Ladd and McKenna Horsley, Kentucky Lantern
March 14, 2025

FRANKFORT — The University of Kentucky is one of 45 higher education institutions under federal investigation for “allegedly engaging in race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs,” the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced Friday.

The office announced investigations of seven other schools for “alleged impermissible race-based scholarships and race-based segregation.” 

President Donald Trump’s newly appointed Secretary of Education Linda McMahon cited efforts to “reorient civil rights enforcement” and “ensure all students are protected from illegal discrimination.” 

“Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” McMahon said in a statement. “We will not yield on this commitment.” 

The investigations follow a Feb. 14 Dear Colleague Letter from the Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights to institutions putting them on notice that they “must cease using race preferences and stereotypes as a factor in their admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, sanctions, discipline, and other programs and activities.”

UK is the only Kentucky institution on the list. UK spokesperson Kristi Willett said in an email the university was aware of the press release announcing the investigations. 

“We are aware of the release this morning from the Department of Education Office of Civil Rights. We have not received any official notification of this review,” Willet said. “However, the university complies with both the constitution and Title VI. Our graduate programs are open to all qualified applicants. We will continue to monitor and review this issue, cooperate with any official inquiries and, as always, comply with the law.”

The release from the Education Department cites allegations that the schools violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) by partnering with The Ph.D. Project, which it calls “an organization that purports to provide doctoral students with insights into obtaining a Ph.D. and networking opportunities, but limits eligibility based on the race of participants.”

According to the Ph.D. Project’s website the organization has helped more than 1,500 people earn doctoral degrees since its founding in 1994 and has more than 240 students in Ph.D. programs as part of its mission to diversify workplaces and broaden the pipeline of business leaders.

The federal announcement comes as Kentucky’s Republican-controlled legislature has voted to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the state’s public universities and colleges. The legislation would prohibit universities and colleges from awarding scholarships while considering “an individual’s religion, race, sex, color, or national origin.” 

Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear is expected to veto the anti-DEI bill but the Republican supermajority can easily override his veto.

Last August, UK announced it was disbanding its Office for Institutional Diversity without firing anyone amid pressure from Republicans in Frankfort. 

At that time, President Eli Capilouto said that “we share the value that out of many people, we are one community. But we’ve also listened to policymakers and heard many of their questions about whether we appear partisan or political on the issues of our day.” 

Universities being investigated for alleged race-exclusionary practices in their graduate programs

Arizona State University – Main CampusBoise State UniversityCal Poly HumboldtCalifornia State University – San BernadinoCarnegie Mellon UniversityClemson UniversityCornell UniversityDuke UniversityEmory UniversityGeorge Mason UniversityGeorgetown UniversityMassachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)Montana State University-BozemanNew York University (NYU)Rice UniversityRutgers UniversityThe Ohio State University – Main CampusTowson UniversityTulane UniversityUniversity of Arkansas – FayettevilleUniversity of California-BerkeleyUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of Cincinnati – Main CampusUniversity of Colorado – Colorado SpringsUniversity of DelawareUniversity of KansasUniversity of KentuckyUniversity of Michigan-Ann ArborUniversity of Minnesota-Twin CitiesUniversity of Nebraska at OmahaUniversity of New Mexico – Main CampusUniversity of North Dakota – Main CampusUniversity of North Texas – DentonUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of NV – Las VegasUniversity of OregonUniversity of Rhode IslandUniversity of UtahUniversity of Washington-SeattleUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonUniversity of WyomingVanderbilt UniversityWashington State UniversityWashington University in St. LouisYale University

Under investigation for alleged impermissible race-based scholarships and race-based segregation

Grand Valley State UniversityIthaca CollegeNew England College of OptometryUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of Minnesota, Twin CitiesUniversity of South FloridaUniversity of Oklahoma, Tulsa School of Community Medicine

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