The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division has opened an investigation into the College of William & Mary to determine if specific scholarships and student benefits at the Virginia-based public research institution contain unlawful race-based criteria. The probe, announced Monday, centers on potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits racial discrimination in federally funded programs.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon stated that awarding opportunities based on race is illegal and contradicts the Constitution's guarantee of colorblindness. "We will find out if scholarships or other student benefits at William & Mary favor applicants of certain races," Dhillon said in a statement. "The Department will not turn a blind eye to race-based preferences, however they are packaged or portrayed by universities."
The investigation is examining several programs, including the "W&M Scholars" program for first-year undergraduates, which the DOJ noted gives "top consideration" to applicants with an "interest in diverse people and perspectives," alongside academic ability and potential, and first-generation or limited-income status.
The Martha L. Muguira Fellowship, a need-based graduate scholarship within the W&M School of Education, reportedly gives preference to Hispanic or Latino women with financial need. Additionally, the DOJ indicated that the Holmes Scholars program within the same school provides mentorship and professional development benefits to "future education leaders of color," while the university website describes its participants as students "from traditionally under-represented backgrounds."
At the W&M Law School, the Lemon Legal Scholars Program is described by the DOJ as offering up to five full scholarships that appear to be exclusively for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) graduates. The university's current website states that the law school "will award at least five full scholarships" to admitted HBCU graduates, also providing networking opportunities and academic advising.
The law school also offers the "Reaching Back Scholarship," a need-based award that the DOJ says has a "preference" for HBCU graduates or those who "contribute to the diversity" of the law school. Some of these programs were established to address the historical legacy of slavery and racial discrimination at William & Mary.
The DOJ has requested documents and information from the college by September 8, expressing a desire to achieve compliance through voluntary means. However, the department has not ruled out formal action, which could include terminating federal financial assistance if deemed necessary.
William & Mary released a statement affirming its commitment to nondiscriminatory learning environments and compliance with all state and federal laws. The DOJ has clarified that it has not yet reached any conclusions regarding the investigation's subject matter.
This investigation is part of a broader trend of scrutiny by the Department of Justice towards educational institutions concerning admissions, scholarships, diversity initiatives, and alleged antisemitism on campuses.