The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Monday that it is conducting a compliance review of the College of William & Mary, a public research university in Virginia. The review focuses on whether certain scholarships and student‑benefit programs at the school use race‑based criteria that could violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination in any program receiving federal funds.
Federal officials cite specific programs
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said the investigation will examine several named initiatives. The “W&M Scholars” program, which provides a full‑tuition scholarship to first‑year undergraduates, lists academic merit, first‑generation or limited‑income status, and an “interest in diverse people and perspectives” as factors for top consideration. The DOJ’s notice letter suggests that the diversity language could amount to race‑based preference.
The review also targets the School of Education’s Martha L. Muguira Fellowship, which gives a preference to Hispanic or Latino women who demonstrate financial need. Another program, the Holmes Scholars initiative, is described by the university as supporting “future education leaders of color” with mentorship, job‑fair access and professional‑development opportunities. The law school’s Lemon Legal Scholars program reportedly offers up to five full scholarships exclusively to graduates of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), while the “Reaching Back” scholarship is need‑based but gives preference to HBCU graduates or applicants who “contribute to the diversity” of the law school.
University response
William & Mary issued a statement affirming its commitment to nondiscriminatory learning environments and its intent to comply with all applicable state and federal laws. The college has been asked to provide relevant documents and information by September 8. The DOJ says it hopes to resolve the matter through informal, voluntary means but reserves the right to pursue formal action, including possible termination of federal financial assistance, if it finds violations.
Context of the investigation
The probe is part of a broader effort by the current administration to enforce civil‑rights statutes at institutions of higher education. Similar reviews have been launched at other universities over race‑based admissions policies, diversity programs and alleged antisemitism. While the DOJ has not reached any conclusions about William & Mary’s practices, the investigation underscores the federal government’s focus on ensuring that public funds are not used to support unlawful race‑based preferences.
Local stakeholders, including parents and alumni, are watching the development closely, as the outcome could affect scholarship eligibility and the university’s ability to attract a diverse student body while remaining compliant with federal law.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
