The U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday it has opened a civil rights investigation into the College of William & Mary over allegations that certain scholarships and student benefits may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The probe will assess whether the university’s programs unlawfully use race as a factor in awarding financial aid or other opportunities.
The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division confirmed the review in a statement, citing concerns about programs that appear to favor applicants based on race, color, or national origin. The investigation follows a complaint filed by the American Civil Rights Project, which alleges that William & Mary’s scholarship criteria and other benefits may constitute illegal discrimination under federal law.
Key Programs Under Review
The DOJ’s inquiry focuses on multiple programs at William & Mary, including:
W&M Scholars Program: A competitive scholarship covering full in-state tuition and fees for academically distinguished students. The program’s selection criteria include an applicant’s “interest in diverse people and perspectives”, which the DOJ has flagged as potentially discriminatory.
Martha L. Muguira Fellowship: A need-based program at the School of Education that gives preference to Hispanic or Latino women.
Lemon Legal Scholars Program: A law school initiative offering financial assistance, mentorship, and networking opportunities exclusively to graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are admitted to William & Mary’s J.D. program.
Reaching Back Scholarship: A law school program providing preference to applicants from HBCUs or those who contribute to the diversity of the student body.
The DOJ has not yet determined whether these programs violate federal law, stating that the investigation will determine compliance with Title VI, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs.
Legal and Institutional Response
In a statement, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division emphasized the department’s stance on race-neutral policies in education. “Awarding scholarships or offering coveted opportunities to students based on the color of their skin is illegal and offends the guarantees of our color-blind Constitution,” Dhillon said. The DOJ has not provided further details on the scope or timeline of the investigation.
William & Mary has not publicly responded to the DOJ’s announcement. The university receives federal financial assistance, making it subject to Title VI regulations. The investigation marks the latest federal scrutiny of race-conscious policies in higher education, following similar reviews of other institutions.
Background on Federal Enforcement
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division has previously investigated universities over allegations of unlawful race-based preferences in admissions, scholarships, and other student benefits. The outcome of this probe could set a precedent for how such programs are evaluated under federal law.
The investigation does not imply wrongdoing by William & Mary but initiates a formal review process to assess compliance with federal civil rights statutes.