DOJ Launches Investigation Into Arizona State University’s DEI Practices, Claims ASU Denied Equal Treatment To Students
- June 19, 2026
Danielle, University Herald
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into Arizona State University’s diversity, equity, and inclusion practices after federal officials said recent viral videos suggested the school denied equal treatment to students based on race, color, or national origin.
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division announced the Title VI investigation on Wednesday, stating it will review whether ASU’s DEI policies result in illegal discrimination in admissions, recruitment, scholarships, tutoring, and other educational support services.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits institutions that receive federal funding from discriminating on the basis of race, color, or national origin, according to Fox News.
The ASU investigation follows earlier federal civil rights complaints filed this year by watchdog group Protect the Public’s Trust, which cited undercover recordings alleging the university maintained race‑conscious programming despite public claims to the contrary.
Those complaints argued that maintaining such programs could violate both Title VI and the Equal Protection Clause, as well as Article 2, Section 36 of the Arizona Constitution, which bars preferential treatment or discrimination based on race or sex in public education, Aim reported.