The University of Southern California (USC) and Loyola Marymount University (LMU) are under investigation by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) for a college-access program that allegedly restricts participation to Hispanic students. The probe was initiated following a complaint filed by the anti-racism organization Equal Protection Project.
William Jacobson, president of the Equal Protection Project, confirmed that the Department of Education's office had opened an investigation into the universities. The complaint, filed on June 29, alleges that USC and LMU violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by sponsoring, promoting, and facilitating the Hispanic Scholarship Fund’s Youth Leadership Institute (YLI). This program is specifically designed for Hispanic high school students.
According to the OCR's letter to Jacobson on August 13, both universities receive federal financial assistance from the Department of Education. This funding necessitates compliance with Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs.
The complaint asserts that the universities' involvement extends beyond merely allowing an external organization to use their facilities. USC and LMU reportedly host YLI events, provide on-campus housing and other university resources, promote the program, and furnish speakers and university personnel. The Equal Protection Project argues that these institutional supports, combined with the program's eligibility requirements, constitute discrimination.
Jacobson emphasized that even if the program's direct funding comes from private sources, the universities' receipt of federal funds makes them subject to Title VI regulations for all their programming. He stated that the quick initiation of the investigation suggests a strong case based on the submitted materials.
LMU has acknowledged its role as a sponsor and host of the YLI, while USC has publicized its association with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund and participated in YLI activities. The Equal Protection Project's complaint specifically highlighted that resources such as campus facilities and overnight housing are made available to YLI participants but are inaccessible to students who do not identify as Hispanic.
The OCR has also warned the universities against any form of retaliation against individuals who assert their rights under the civil rights laws during the investigation. If found liable, Jacobson indicated that the universities should provide compensation to students who were excluded from the program, calling it insufficient to merely agree not to repeat the alleged violation.
This investigation into USC and LMU marks the latest federal scrutiny of California universities concerning alleged civil rights violations. Previous actions include the Justice Department suing UCLA over allegations of indifference to discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students, and federal agencies opening other investigations into civil rights matters at California educational institutions.