Carnegie Mellon University is one of 45 schools now under investigation by the US Department of Education for potentially violating race-based discrimination laws in their graduate programs. The probe, announced on March 14, 2025, focuses on whether these institutions have engaged in “race-exclusionary practices” in connection with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Carnegie Mellon confirmed it has received notice of the investigation and is currently reviewing the matter.
The investigation centers on whether the university’s DEI programs, including its partnership with The PhD Project, which supports Black, Latino, and Native American doctoral business students, violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI prohibits racial discrimination in federally funded programs, and the department’s scrutiny signals a broader push to examine the role of race-based practices in academic institutions.
Federal probe sparks concern over DEI programs
The US Department of Education’s investigation is part of a growing challenge to DEI programs across the country. As reported by Axios, the probe follows the Trump administration’s directive to eliminate scholarships and programs that use race as a determining factor in selection. Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh’s largest educational institution, is among those that may face steep consequences if found in violation of federal guidelines.
Carnegie Mellon responded to the investigation, saying it was “carefully reviewing the matter to determine next steps and ensure compliance with the law,” as quoted by the university. This comes after a shift in the university’s language around DEI, with several webpages related to diversity and inclusion being renamed or removed in response to the changing federal guidance.
Scrutiny over the Trump administration’s stance on DEI
The investigation into Carnegie Mellon is part of a larger trend of heightened scrutiny over DEI programs under the Trump administration. As reported by Axios, the administration has pushed back against what it terms “race-exclusionary” practices, reframing Civil Rights-era laws to focus on alleged “anti-white racism” rather than historical discrimination against people of color.
This latest probe follows the Supreme Court’s decision in 2023 to overturn affirmative action in college admissions, further intensifying debates around race and equality in higher education.
