The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has launched a Title VI investigation into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices at Arizona State University (ASU), one of the country’s largest public universities.
Wednesday’s announcement comes after recent viral videos that appear to show university personnel participating in or concealing the handling of distinguishing students by race, color, or national origin. Federal officials noted the videos raised the prospect that ASU may have violated civil rights protections while benefiting from considerable taxpayer support.
“No student should be denied access to opportunities or resources because of race, color, or national origin,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s (DOJ’s) Civil Rights Division said. “The United States is committed to keeping universities free of unlawful discrimination—especially when they try to hide illegal conduct to avoid oversight and compliance.”…