The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into the College of William & Mary over scholarships and student benefits that may use race-based criteria. The review examines programs involving HBCU graduates, Hispanic or Latino women, and students from underrepresented backgrounds. The department is assessing potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs. William & Mary said it remains committed to nondiscriminatory learning environments and compliance with state and federal law.
The investigation, announced Monday, is part of a broader federal focus on race-based admissions, scholarships, diversity programs, and alleged antisemitism at educational institutions.
| 1) | Scope of the federal civil rights review |
|---|---|
| 2) | Scholarships and programs under scrutiny |
| 3) | Legal standards and potential consequences |
| 4) | University response and historical context |
| 5) | Investigation within wider federal actions |
Scope of the federal civil rights review
The DOJ Civil Rights Division opened a compliance review of the Virginia-based public research institution to determine whether selected scholarships or student benefits unlawfully rely on race, color, or national origin. The review is being conducted under Title VI, which applies to programs receiving federal financial assistance. The department has not made a final determination and said the investigation is intended to establish whether the college is complying with federal requirements.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said the department would examine whether opportunities at William & Mary favor applicants of particular races, regardless of how those preferences are described or structured.
“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.
Scholarships and programs under scrutiny
The review includes the W&M Scholars program for first-year undergraduates. The program offers a scholarship covering at least the full cost of in-state tuition and fees. Although it is not formally restricted to a specific race, the department said applicants with an interest in diverse people and perspectives receive top consideration, alongside academic ability, potential, and first-generation or limited-income status.
The department also identified the need-based Martha L. Muguira Fellowship, which gives preference to Hispanic or Latino women with financial need. The Holmes Scholars program at the School of Education provides mentorship, job-fair access, professional development, policy and advocacy training, and opportunities to present research to future education leaders from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.
At the law school, the Lemon Legal Scholars Program provides at least five full scholarships covering tuition and fees to admitted J.D. students who are HBCU graduates. Recipients also receive networking, academic advising, bar-exam preparation support, and access to special events. The need-based Reaching Back Scholarship gives preference to HBCU graduates or applicants who contribute to the law school’s diversity, according to the department.
Legal standards and potential consequences
The DOJ requested documents and information from William & Mary by September 8. The department said it first seeks compliance through informal, voluntary measures. If the review identifies violations and those issues are not resolved, the government could pursue formal proceedings.
Potential action could include proceedings that lead to the termination of federal financial assistance. The department emphasized that the compliance review is ongoing and that no conclusion has yet been reached about whether the programs violate Title VI.
University response and historical context
William & Mary said it is committed to nondiscriminatory learning environments throughout its campus and to following all applicable state and federal laws. The institution has described some of the programs as responses to the legacy of slavery and racial discrimination connected to its history.
The federal inquiry will determine how the programs operate in practice, including how eligibility, preferences, and additional student benefits are applied. The university has not been found responsible for unlawful discrimination as a result of the announcement.
Investigation within wider federal actions
The William & Mary review is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to examine educational institutions over race-based admissions and scholarships, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, and alleged antisemitism on campus.
The administration has also pursued other investigations and legal actions involving colleges and universities. The William & Mary case will now proceed through the document-gathering and compliance-review process, with the department expected to assess the university’s policies against federal civil rights requirements.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | The DOJ is reviewing William & Mary programs under Title VI. |
| 2 | Programs under review include scholarships for HBCU graduates and preferences for Hispanic or Latino women. |
| 3 | The department requested documents by September 8. |
| 4 | William & Mary said it is committed to nondiscrimination and legal compliance. |
Summary
The Justice Department’s review will determine whether selected William & Mary scholarships and student benefits use unlawful race-based preferences. The inquiry remains preliminary, and any formal action will depend on the department’s assessment of documents, policies, and university responses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the DOJ investigating William & Mary?
The department is examining whether certain scholarships and student benefits rely on unlawful race, color, or national-origin criteria under Title VI.
Which programs are being reviewed?
The review includes the W&M Scholars program, the Martha L. Muguira Fellowship, the Holmes Scholars program, the Lemon Legal Scholars Program, and the Reaching Back Scholarship.
Has the DOJ concluded that William & Mary violated the law?
No. The department said it has reached no conclusions and is requesting information as part of an ongoing compliance review.
