The education department thought that schools on Friday would continue to consider race when they made scholarships and employment decisions, or “nod to races in all other aspects of students, academics and campus life.” In the case, he warned that he risked losing federal funds. . ”
The announcement gave us a 14-day institution to comply. Building on a major Supreme Court decision in 2023, it turns out that the use of racially conscious admissions practices in universities is illegal. However, considering race when determining race and serving a subset of students is far beyond the scope of that decision by notifying the school that it is a basis for punishment. Masu.
The letter was the latest step in pushing for the Trump administration's reAS program, which aimed to level the playing field for historically unserved groups as a form of racism. President Trump also said it was an extension of President Trump's expansion to purge diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives from the federal government that critics attacked as veiled racism. It seemed like that.
Craig's assistant secretary for civil rights in the education sector said that many of the related programs and scholarships historically allow Black and Latino students to pursue university degrees and find a community. He said he was trying to help. Much of this comes from a disadvantaged background. ”
“At the heart of that, the test is simple. If an institution deals with people of a different race than treating another person because of that person's race, the institution violates the law,” said trainer. He writes.
“Simply put, educational institutions do not separate or separate students based on race, nor do they distribute benefits or burdens based on race,” he said.
On Monday, the department also focused on training teachers on “inappropriate and unnecessary topics” such as critical racial theory, social justice activity, anti-racism and “leadership on white privilege.” He said he had cancelled the $600 million grant.
The letter warning applies to agencies receiving federal funding, including K-12 schools. But that could drop sharply in higher education institutions.
The drastic guidance raised pressing questions about how alarms would be raised in academic circles and disrupt campus.
Many universities provide scholarships and grants specifically to students of a particular ethnic background, and are tailored to campuses tailored to students of a particular ethnic heritage and race, including program houses, professional society, fraternity, and female student biology. maintains. In some cases, decisions to fund these programs are made not necessarily by the university, but by student governments and external organizations.
However, the guidance prohibits the use of race in decisions related to decisions such as hospitalization, employment, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, awards, administrative assistance, discipline, housing, graduation, etc. It seemed to touch on all these fields and more. The aspects of student, academic, campus life.”
Some universities have already taken preemptive steps to ban clubs and student organizations that may violate the division's interpretation of civil rights law.
This month, West Point was soon to disband 12 affinity groups, including the National Association of Black Engineers Club, the Asia-Pacific Forum Club and the Vietnamese American Cadets Association.
Other universities have suspended ceremony marking the Chinese New Year, cancelled forums on races, and finished their degree requirements for students to take classes that touch the DEI.
Friday's letter specified that, for example, even graduation ceremonies that celebrated black students separate from the larger opening ceremony could be considered discriminatory.
“In the shameful echoes of darker times in the history of this country, many American schools and universities are encouraging racial separation in graduation ceremonies, dormitories and other facilities.”
Last year, Colombia held an alternative ceremony featuring speeches by pro-Palestinian activists and writers after a major launch ceremony was cancelled over student protests related to the war in Gaza.
In addition to school disruption, legal experts also have university recruitment targeting certain demographics that may transfer or drop out at a higher rate despite the drastic nature of the threat of the education sector. It points out that it doesn't touch on many areas, such as the Retention Program. More than others.
Other aspects of the letter seemed certain to encounter guidance on legal challenges, particularly changes in employment practices. This was fine for the Supreme Court's decision on the positive case.
Jeff Weimer, a partner in law firm Reed Smith's higher education practices, raised more questions to schools than the letter could be solved immediately under the current understanding of civil rights law. He said.
“Well, for example, what happens when it's an affinity group that promotes Asian culture and has important holiday-centered events for a variety of Asian cultures, etc. ? Of your race or ethnicity?” asked Weimer. “Is it prohibited or permitted under the Supreme Court decision and Title VI and other interpretations of this administration?”
“It's not in the number of clear answers to that question or the different variations on the same question,” he said.
