The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has reached a settlement with the Trump administration, concluding 18 active federal investigations into alleged antisemitism and race discrimination. The agreement, effective through 2028, allows the university to maintain its eligibility for federal funding without admitting to any wrongdoing or making monetary payments.
Under the terms of the settlement, UNC will appoint an internal "Merit & Civil Rights Administrator" and establish a "Title VI Coordinator" within its compliance office. These roles will be responsible for addressing complaints of antisemitism and race-based discrimination and serving as the point of contact for the Justice Department, overseeing the university's reporting obligations. Elizabeth Hall, associate vice chancellor for university compliance, has been appointed to fill both positions.
Chancellor Lee H. Roberts stated that the agreement reinforces the university's commitment to fair and equal treatment for all students. He noted that universities have faced significant scrutiny in recent years and expressed pride in resolving these issues at UNC while protecting the institution's mission and the civil rights of its community members.
The settlement also mandates that UNC provide mandatory antisemitism training for students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the university will prohibit the use of face masks that conceal identity, with certain exceptions, and student groups will face disciplinary action for antisemitic discriminatory conduct.
The agreement addresses admissions practices, requiring UNC to adopt a "color-blind admissions system" that prohibits using race or altering the admissions process to change the racial composition of its student body. However, the university may still consider how applicants have overcome adversity on a personal level, including aspects of family background and poverty, provided these considerations are applied consistently.
UNC is also required to maintain race-blind policies for student benefits, scholarships, financial aid, and programming. The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division will close its 18-month compliance review, initiated in April 2025, and the Education Department's Office for Civil Rights will close its 18 investigations.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon emphasized that Title VI mandates equal treatment for all students, regardless of ancestry or race, at federally funded institutions. She commended UNC for its cooperation and expressed hope that other institutions will follow suit.
This settlement comes in the wake of the Supreme Court's 2023 decision that struck down race-based admissions programs at UNC and Harvard. The administration has previously investigated universities over pro-Palestinian protests, diversity initiatives, and transgender policies. Other universities, such as Columbia and Brown, have also reached settlements with the federal government in similar matters.