Laramie, Wyo. - The University of Wyoming is among more than 50 universities now being investigated for alleged racial discrimination in its graduate programs.
This is part of the Trump administration's campaign to end DEI programs. Federal officials allege the school's diversity, equity and inclusion programs violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act "by partnering with "The Ph.D. Project," 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."
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in education programs and activities receiving federal funding.
Officials say they are working to ensure universities are not discriminating against students based on racial preferences and stereotypes and are instead assessed according to merit and accomplishment.
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon says, "Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin. We will not yield on this commitment."
Critics of the attacks on DEI programs say the Trump administration has it backwards and that the programs are designed to ensure equality.
The University of Wyoming released a statement to Wyoming News Now saying, in part, that it will, "cooperate with an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights -- and, in fact, is already taking steps in response to alleged "race-exclusionary" practices by a national organization that has been connected with graduate programs in one of the university's colleges.
UW in May 2024 eliminated its Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and began a comprehensive review of university practices to eliminate those that promote differential treatment of individuals or classify people on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity or national origin. The College of Business's participation in The Ph.D. Project was one of the items flagged in the review, and UW is discontinuing the relationship.
Among other actions, the university also has halted any requirements for prospective employees to submit statements regarding DEI; has ceased the requirement for employees to be evaluated on components of DEI; and requires all hiring decisions to be based only on merit."
