The Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that it has initiated an investigation into the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices at Arizona State University (ASU). This probe comes after viral videos surfaced, suggesting the institution may have engaged in discriminatory behavior by denying equal treatment to students based on their race, color, or national origin.
According to a statement from the DOJ, officials accuse the university of carrying out discriminatory practices while attempting to shield these actions from federal oversight, leading to the current investigation.
“No student should be denied access to opportunities or resources because of race, color, or national origin,” stated Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The United States is committed to ensuring universities remain free from unlawful discrimination, particularly when they attempt to conceal illegal activities to evade scrutiny and compliance.”
In Tempe, Arizona, on May 2, 2024, Arizona State University alumnus Tarteel Alimam addressed students gathered at Alumni Lawn on the ASU Tempe Campus during a news conference regarding campus protests. (Photo by Megan Mendoza/The Republic)
Federal law mandates that institutions receiving federal funding must provide equal access to students, irrespective of their race, color, or national origin.
As one of the largest universities in the nation, Arizona State University is a significant beneficiary of federal funds.
Students gather for a pro-Palestinian protest at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, on April 26, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. (Liliana Salgado/Reuters)
The division’s investigation will examine whether ASU subjects its students to illegal discrimination through its DEI policies in admissions, recruitment, scholarships, tutoring and the provision of educational support, according to the DOJ.
An ASU spokesperson told News Agency the university “complies fully with federal law and does not discriminate in admissions.”
“Not only would doing so violate Arizona Board of Regents and ASU policy, but ASU has since 2010 operated under a state constitutional provision that prohibits preferential treatment or discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public education,” the spokesperson said.
A protester holds a sign during a pro-Palestinian protest at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, on April 26, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. (Liliana Salgado/Reuters)
“ASU is aware of the Department of Justice’s press release regarding an investigation and of the ‘recent viral videos’ referred to in it,” they added. “The university has no comment on these videos, as ASU does not comment on secret video recordings of its employees who are not authorized to speak on behalf of the university.”
DOJ officials clarified the Civil Rights Division has not reached any conclusions about the subject matter of the investigation.
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