Emory University has found itself at the center of a federal investigation over alleged race-based practices within its graduate programs. As reported by Channel 2 Action News, the Office for Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education announced that it has begun looking into the institution as part of a wider investigation that encompasses 45 universities nationwide.
The probe comes after a February 14 "Dear Colleague" letter circulated by the Department of Education, reminding schools of their civil rights obligations to shun racial preferences and stereotypes. The allegations suggest that Emory University, along with others, may have violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act through their liaisons with The Ph.D. Project—an organization designed to aid Black, Latino, and Native American students in earning doctoral degrees, particularly in business. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the Department of Education accuses The Ph.D. Project of limiting eligibility based on the race of participants.
In her statement, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized, "Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin. We will not yield on this commitment." The Ph.D. Project has countered, stating that its mission is to diversify the talent pipeline and confirming that it has opened its membership to all who share this vision. Noncompliance with Title VI could entail the forfeiture of federal funding for the implicated universities.
Scrutiny extends beyond Emory and The Ph.D. Project, touching upon a number of other prominent schools as well. The Department of Education is also investigating claims of impermissible race-based scholarships and race-based segregation at several institutions. Amongst the list are noted establishments like Duke University, Vanderbilt, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and New York University.
