The United States Department of Justice is investigating the College of William and Mary’s scholarships and student support for potential civil rights violations, according to a letter sent Monday from Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division.
The letter, addressed to University Counsel Carrie Nee, says the College’s W&M Scholars program and certain scholarships granted by the Law School and School of Education are examples of “educational benefits that may include unlawful racial criteria.”
The DOJ has not yet reached any conclusions about the programs’ violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on “race, color, or national origin” in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance, Dhillon wrote.
If the DOJ concludes the College is violating Title VI and the school does not cooperate with subsequent demands, formal action may be taken, according to the letter. This could include “suspending, terminating, or refusing to grant or continue … federal financial assistance, as well as commencing a civil action.”
A statement on the College’s website says it is reviewing the information.
“As a matter of practice, the university doesn’t comment on pending legal matters,” the statement says.
This is an ongoing story with more coverage coming soon.
