DOJ launches civil rights investigation into ASU diversity practices
DOJ launches civil rights investigation into ASU's DEI practices; university denies allegations.
Event / Politics
US University DEI Investigations
The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division initiated an investigation into diversity, equity, and inclusion practices at Arizona State University following allegations of discriminatory treatment based on race, color, or national origin. The investigation examines ASU's DEI policies across admissions, recruitment, scholarships, and educational support under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This is part of a broader federal review of DEI practices at universities following the Supreme Court's Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard decision.
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2026-08-17 to 2026-11-14 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 4 Jun, 00:31 UTC
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What happened
DOJ Civil Rights Division accuses ASU of concealing discriminatory practices from federal oversight
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated the Justice Department is committed to keeping universities free of unlawful discrimination, particularly when institutions attempt to hide illegal conduct to avoid oversight and compliance. The DOJ alleged that ASU engaged in discriminatory practices while attempting to shield these actions from federal scrutiny.
Justice Department opens civil rights investigation into Arizona State University DEI practices
The U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division announced it launched an investigation into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices at Arizona State University. The investigation was prompted by viral videos suggesting the university denied equal treatment to students based on race, color, or national origin. The investigation will examine whether ASU subjects students to illegal discrimination through its DEI policies in admissions, recruitment, scholarships, tutoring, and educational support under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Previous Department of Education investigations into ASU launched in March 2025
Two separate investigations were launched by the U.S. Department of Education in March 2025—one into an alleged connection to a diversity initiative and another tied to allegations of antisemitism on campus. The university strongly denied the basis of both allegations.
Arizona State University denies discrimination and affirms compliance with federal law
An ASU spokesperson stated the university complies fully with federal law and does not discriminate in admissions. The university noted that since 2010, it has operated under an Arizona state constitutional provision that prohibits preferential treatment or discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public education.
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