Recently, a program aimed at assisting Black and Latino students in pursuing business degrees has come under scrutiny. Initially a relatively obscure initiative, The PhD Project gained national attention in January when conservative strategist Christopher Rufo highlighted the program on social media, prompting reactions from Republican politicians. This attention has propelled the program into the spotlight amid efforts by the Trump administration to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in higher education.
Last week, the U.S. Department of Education announced investigations into numerous universities for alleged racial discrimination linked to their association with The PhD Project. This follows a prior warning that institutions could risk losing federal funding due to “race-based preferences” in their admissions and scholarship processes.
The investigations have taken university leaders by surprise, leading many to reevaluate their affiliations with The PhD Project, which has focused on increasing diversity within business faculties and the broader business sector.
These inquiries reflect a climate of fear within higher education, as the Trump administration intensifies scrutiny of policies that contradict its agenda while simultaneously working to dismantle the Department of Education.
The PhD Project was previously not well-known; however, Rufo’s social media postings have brought significant attention to its efforts in partnership with colleges, as noted by a senior vice president of a college association.
Currently, 45 institutions under investigation for their connections to The PhD Project include prominent public universities such as Arizona State, Ohio State, and the University of California, Berkeley, as well as prestigious private institutions like Yale, Cornell, Duke, and MIT.
Colleges were formally notified by the Education Department that its Office for Civil Rights received complaints alleging racial or ethnic discrimination, prompting the investigations. A March 31 deadline has been set for universities to provide information about their affiliations with the nonprofit.
The PhD Project maintains that its mission is to “create a broader talent pipeline” of business leaders and has broadened its membership criteria to include all who share this vision.
University leaders have responded cautiously, primarily indicating cooperation with investigations without further commentary. The escalating tension stems from previous punitive measures taken by the Trump administration against universities, which have included significant cuts to federal funding over perceived violations related to diversity and inclusion policies.
As a result, some institutions have moved quickly to sever connections with The PhD Project. The University of Kentucky has recently cut ties, while the University of Wyoming announced it would discontinue its affiliation, despite its initial goals of enhancing graduate student representation.
Other colleges, such as Arizona State, have also distanced themselves by ceasing financial support for The PhD Project and informing faculty of the decision not to support attendance at its upcoming conference.
In Texas, similar reactions were observed when Rufo called attention to The PhD Project, resulting in significant backlash against Texas A&M University, which ultimately withdrew from a related conference under pressure from state officials.
Some universities under investigation have expressed confusion regarding the source of the complaints. For instance, Montana State University indicated that it operates in compliance with all applicable laws and was unaware of any internal grievances regarding its association with The PhD Project.
Furthermore, six institutions face scrutiny over allegedly awarding “impermissible race-based scholarships,” while the University of Minnesota is being investigated for purportedly running a racially segregated program.
At the University of California, Berkeley, a gathering of hundreds took place on campus, where faculty rallied against the perceived encroachment on academic freedom. Faculty articulated that the situation represents a broader attack on the principles of academic inquiry and expression.
Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons reinforced the institution’s commitment to academic freedom, stating that a Berkeley devoid of such freedoms contradicts the very essence of the university. He emphasized the importance of upholding the institution’s values amidst these challenges.
