Department of Education Investigates Five Universities Over DACA Scholarships

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights has launched investigations into five universities over scholarships offered to students in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, according to a statement released Wednesday.

The institutions under review include the University of Louisville, University of Nebraska Omaha, University of Miami, University of Michigan, and Western Michigan University.

The investigation stems from complaints filed by the conservative Legal Insurrection Foundation’s Equal Protection Project, which claims that scholarships limited to DACA or undocumented students may violate federal anti-discrimination laws.

Specifically, the Department is examining whether these scholarships violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin at institutions receiving federal funding.

“The investigations will determine whether these universities are granting scholarships only for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or ‘undocumented’ students, in violation of Title VI,” the Department stated.

The probe also considers whether scholarship programs for LGBTQ+ students of color and other minority groups may exclude other students.

William A. Jacobson, founder of the Equal Protection Project, said, “Discrimination against American-born students must not be tolerated. We’re gratified that the Department is acting on our complaints.”

Several universities named in the investigation have acknowledged receiving notification. The University of Louisville said it is reviewing the claims, and the University of Michigan confirmed receipt of the letter but offered no additional comment. Other universities have not responded to inquiries.

The Department of Education’s Civil Rights Office, which is currently under pressure due to funding cuts and staff reductions, has also been actively investigating cases involving antisemitic discrimination on campuses.

The outcome of this investigation remains uncertain as the Department balances increasing caseloads with limited resources.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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