U-M, Grand Valley targeted for civil rights probes by Trump administration

• The US Department of Education is investigating the University of Michigan and Grand Valley State University for alleged actions the feds say could go against federal antidiscrimination rules 
• University of Michigan is under investigation for its connection with a program that aims to diversify business professionals
• Grand Valley State University is under investigation for 11 scholarships 

The US Department of Education is investigating the University of Michigan and Grand Valley State University for what it calls “racial preferences” in academic opportunities or scholarships.

The investigations could potentially lead to loss of federal funding, which could amount to millions of dollars or more at the two Michigan public universities, and mark an escalation of a war the administration of President Donald Trump is waging on diversity efforts.

The schools are among 51 universities and colleges that are under Department of Education investigation nationwide, according to a Friday announcement, ranging from prestigious institutions like Yale University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology to regional schools

U-M is one of 45 schools across the country being investigated by participation in The PhD Project, a national organization founded in 1994 as a means to help diversify the pool of business professionals, including academic faculty.

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Grand Valley is one of six schools being investigated for what the education department calls race-based scholarships.

The schools are being investigated under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in education programs and activities receiving federal funding.

“Today’s announcement expands our efforts to ensure universities are not discriminating against their students based on race and race stereotypes,” US Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said in a statement Friday. “Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin.”

It wasn’t immediately clear the scope of potential federal funding losses or how the investigations would be pursued. Research universities like U-M receive hundreds of millions of federal grant dollars annually.

The University of Michigan did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the investigation.

Grand Valley said it’s under investigation for 11 scholarships available to students there. The school did not specify which scholarships or many students receive those scholarships.

“We are reviewing this communication and will respond as appropriate,” Grand Valley said in a statement. “Grand Valley State University is committed to maintaining an inclusive environment while complying with all applicable laws.”

The federal announcement comes one month after the department sent a letter to schools across the country warning they could risk federal funding if they do not follow antidiscrimination law. The “Dear Colleague Letter” sparked confusion among education leaders and the Trump administration later released a frequently asked questions document clarifying its stance on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. 

It wasn’t clear how U-M, Grand Valley and the other 49 institutions were singled out. Less than half of the 108 universities listed on The PhD Project website as participants were placed under investigation.

A request for comment to the federal education department was not immediately returned.

According to its 2023 annual report, The PhD Project “works to increase diversity in the business world” by offering support for minorities to “pursue business PhDs with the intent to become university faculty, teaching and guiding students who aspire to careers in business.”

More than 1,700 people have participated in the program, with the organization claiming it is responsible for a six-fold increase in “historically underrepresented professors, administrators, and academic leaders at an extensive list of colleges and universities.”

Among participants, 90% complete their business PhD, compared to the national average of 70%.

But the Trump administration views programs that offer a leg up to historically underserved racial groups as a violation of civil rights. Friday’s announcement castigated schools participating in the program as “allegedly engaging in race-exclusionary practices in their graduate program.”

That allegation may now be harder to prove  — after 29 years of focusing its efforts solely on supporting minorities, The Phd Project in recent months opened its membership up to everyone while still promoting increased academic workforce diversity.

“Our vision is to create a broader talent pipeline of current and future business leaders who are committed to excellence and to each other, through networking, mentorship, and unique events,” the organization wrote in a statement to Bridge Michigan. “This year, we have opened our membership application to anyone who shares that vision. “

Friday’s announcement comes just four days after the federal department announced it was putting U-M on notice along with 59 other schools that they could face “enforcement actions” if they do not ensure Jewish students are protected from antisemitism.