Exposed: University Diversity Funds That Challenge Civil Rights Law

Hold onto your hats, fellow patriots! It’s time to dive into the murky waters of campus diversity initiatives. Fordham University, that bastion of higher learning in the Big Apple, has found itself in hot water over its “Diversity Fund” and “Fordham Scholarship” programs. As conservatives, we’ve long suspected that these well-intentioned efforts might be skirting the edge of legality. Well, it looks like the chickens have come home to roost, and we’re about to see just how these programs stack up against good ol’ American civil rights laws.

The Complaint

The Equal Protection Project (EPP) has thrown down the gauntlet, filing complaints against Fordham University and other institutions for alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. At the heart of the matter are Fordham’s diversity programs, which the EPP claims discriminate based on race and ethnicity.

William A. Jacobson, founder of the Equal Protection Project, didn’t mince words when he stated, “The eligibility requirements for these programs openly discriminate on the basis of race and ethnicity. Regardless of the purpose of the discrimination, it is wrong and unlawful.”

The Programs in Question

The “Diversity Fund” and “Fordham Scholarship” are under the microscope for potentially favoring certain racial and ethnic groups over others. According to the EPP, these programs create a situation where two similarly situated students – one “of color” and one white – could be treated differently based solely on their race if they’re not first-generation or lower-income.

“Students who are not ‘of color’ (i.e. whites) are eligible only if they are first-generation or lower-income. As a result, two similarly situated students — one of color and one white — who are not first-generation or lower-income are treated differently depending on their race and skin color,” the Equal Protection Project pointed out.

Fordham’s Response

Fordham University, for its part, seems to be playing it close to the vest. Bob Howe, a Fordham spokesman, offered a carefully worded response: “When OCR [the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights] receives a complaint, they review it and decide, as a threshold matter, whether to proceed. OCR does not pursue every complaint they receive, so it would be very premature to comment.”

This cautious approach suggests that Fordham may be aware of the potential legal minefield they’re navigating. It’s worth noting that the university’s own nondiscrimination standards forbid such discrimination, which adds an extra layer of irony to the situation.

The Broader Context

This case is just one example of a larger trend challenging diversity initiatives in higher education. With the recent Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, universities across the nation are reevaluating their diversity programs.

As conservatives, we’ve long argued that merit should be the primary factor in admissions and scholarship decisions. This case may well become a litmus test for how universities can pursue diversity goals without running afoul of civil rights laws.

Conclusion

As this story unfolds, it’s clear that the debate over diversity initiatives in higher education is far from over. Fordham University’s case may set a precedent for how institutions navigate the delicate balance between promoting diversity and adhering to civil rights laws. One thing’s for sure: we’ll be watching closely to see how this plays out in the courts and on campus.