By Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON, Aug 17 (Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Justice said on Monday it was probing the College of William & Mary, alleging the Virginia-based public research institution favored ethnic minorities in certain scholarships and student benefits, and marking the Trump administration’s latest targeting of an educational institution.
Here are details:
• The university said it was reviewing the information it received from the DOJ and did not comment on pending litigation matters.
• It said it was committed to nondiscriminatory learning environments and complying with federal and state laws.
• While William & Mary’s scholarships are not limited to any race, the DOJ said in a letter that one scholarship gave “top consideration” to applicants with “interest in diverse people and perspectives.”
• The DOJ said Hispanic women were given preference in a fellowship at W&M’s School of Education and that certain scholarships at W&M Law School “appear exclusively earmarked” for graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
• Some programs were established to deal with the legacy of slavery and racial discrimination at William & Mary.
• President Donald Trump has targeted U.S. universities with probes and funding suspension threats over pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s assault on Gaza, diversity initiatives, admissions practices, transgender policies and climate programs.
• It has led to free speech, due process and academic freedom concerns from rights advocates.
• The DOJ cast its probe as a compliance investigation and asked William & Mary to provide certain documents and information by September 8.
• The DOJ said it aimed to secure “compliance by informal voluntary means” but may take formal action to secure compliance that may include termination of federal funds.
(Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Stephen Coates)
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