Vanderbilt University among higher education institutions under investigation by the Office for Civil Rights
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Vanderbilt University is one of dozens of institutions of higher education being investigated by the Office for Civil Rights for allegedly continuing 'the use of racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities.'
University of Tennessee among 60 colleges warned of 'potential enforcement actions' over antisemitism claims
On Friday, the OCR announced the investigation was launched amid allegations that the universities violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by partnering with The Ph.D. Project. According to the organization's About Us page on their website, The Ph.D. Project has 'the goal of creating more role models in the front of business classrooms.' The OCR claimed that although the organization claims to provide doctoral students with resources and networking opportunities, the Ph.D. Project 'limits eligibility based on the race of participants.'
The Ph.D. Project sent the following statement to News 2:
'For the last 30 years, The PhD Project has worked to expand the pool of workplace talent by developing business school faculty who inspire, mentor, and support tomorrow's leaders. 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. This year, we have opened our membership application to anyone who shares that vision. The PhD Project was founded with the goal of providing more role models in the front of business classrooms, which remains our goal today.'
The OCR said the department had sent a Dear Colleague Letter to these institutions of higher education on Feb. 14 'to clarify and reaffirm the nondiscrimination obligations of schools and other entities that receive federal financial assistance from the United States Department of Education.'
'The Department is working to reorient civil rights enforcement to ensure all students are protected from illegal discrimination. The agency has already launched Title VI investigations into institutions where widespread antisemitic harassment has been reported and Title IX investigations into entities which allegedly continue to allow sex discrimination; today's announcement expands our efforts to ensure universities are not discriminating against their students based on race and race stereotypes,' U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon said. 'Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin. We will not yield on this commitment.'
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Institutions found in violation of Title VI could lose federal funding. News 2 has reached out to Vanderbilt University for comment, but as of publication, there has not been a response.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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