The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has been ensnared in a federal probe scrutinizing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, featuring posthumously one of its professors slain in a December 2023 campus shooting. According to a report by FOX5 Vegas, the Department of Education investigation, pushed forward by President Donald Trump's administration, is assessing potential "racial preferences" in academic programs and scholarships across more than 50 higher education institutions, including University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Amid the recent resigning of University of Nevada, Las Vegas President Keith Whitfield, a beloved professor, Patricia Navarro Velez, was highlighted as a casualty in a tragic shooting on University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus, also figured prominently in the DEI investigation, revealed in a memorial posted by UNLV and reports by 8 News Now. Shot on Dec. 6, 2023, Navarro Velez was involved with the Ph.D Project, an initiative under federal scrutiny for purportedly providing doctoral students networking opportunities while limiting eligibility based on race.
Three former University of Nevada, Las Vegas professors—including Navarro Velez—were part of the Ph.D Project mentorship program, which aims at a "broader talent pipeline" into doctoral programs. Two professors connected to the project are no longer affiliated with the institution. "She was a pioneer who worked her way through three universities into a challenging job at one of the largest public accounting firms in the world," Dr. Jason Smith, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Accounting chair, recalled to the school in an online tribute to Navarro Velez, as reported by FOX5 Vegas.
With the Trump administration targeting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs in an effort to eradicate what it perceives as counterproductive to equality, higher education is facing significant challenges. The NSHE, in response to the investigation, addressed by a statement obtained by 8 News Now, is working to understand the scope of the investigation and provide requisite support to their institutions. In the meantime, University of Nevada, Las Vegas Executive Vice President and Provost Christopher L. Heavey assumes the role of Officer in Charge.
Navarro Velez, whose life tragically ended by an act of violence on campus, simultaneously finds her legacy enmeshed in the complex national discourse on diversity in education. "She had a larger-than-life personality and an infectious smile," Dr. Smith said, characterizing her influence and the loss felt by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas community, as per 8 News Now.
