The U.S. Department of Education is currently investigating several universities, including the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO), following concerns raised by an anti-Critical Race Theory (CRT) organization. The investigation centres around scholarships awarded to students under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
Why the Investigation?
The Legal Insurrection Foundation's Equal Protection Project filed a complaint alleging that two UNO scholarships, the Pathway Scholarship and the HDR Scholarship, violate Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. This act prohibits discrimination based on race, colour, or national origin in programs receiving federal funding.
Craig Trainor, acting assistant Secretary for Civil Rights at the DOE, stated that universities cannot deny American citizens the opportunity to compete for scholarships based on their place of birth. This highlights the core of the issue: whether scholarships specifically targeting DACA students unfairly disadvantage other eligible candidates.
Which Other Universities Are Involved?
Besides UNO, the University of Louisville, the University of Miami, the University of Michigan, and Western Michigan University are also facing similar investigations. This indicates a broader scrutiny of scholarship programs across the US and their compliance with civil rights regulations.
What are the Specific Concerns About the UNO Scholarships?
While the Dreamer's Pathways Scholarship is no longer explicitly listed on UNO's application portal, a 2021 article described it as assisting DACA and Nebraska residents in pursuing undergraduate degrees. The DOE is investigating whether this scholarship is “impermissible and exclusionary.” The HDR Scholarship, while not explicitly stating DACA requirements, is alleged to give preference to underrepresented minority students, raising further concerns about potential discrimination.
What's Next?
The DOE's Office of Civil Rights will conduct a thorough investigation to determine whether these scholarships violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for scholarship programs across the United States, particularly those aimed at supporting DACA students and underrepresented minorities.