The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday that it has become the first public university to establish an agreement with the University of Virginia (UVA) that effectively suspends a federal investigation while allowing the university to secure future financial support.
Under this agreement, UVA has committed to following the DOJ’s guidelines on unlawful discrimination for recipients of federal funds. This includes ensuring that the university does not engage in unlawful racial discrimination during recruitment, admissions, and other processes.
For the next five years, through 2028, UVA will provide data and other information, certified by the chancellor, to show its adherence to the terms set out in the agreement.
Although the federal investigation is suspended, it remains open until UVA completes necessary reforms aimed at eliminating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs on campus.
“This remarkable agreement with the University of Virginia will protect students and faculty from unlawful discrimination and ensure that equal opportunity and equity are restored,” stated Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon from the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.
In his comments, Professor Dhillon mentioned appreciation for the progress UVA has made in fighting anti-Semitism and racial bias, urging other universities to remain attentive as the DOJ enforces federal civil rights laws for everyone.
The announcement also noted that the Trump administration is permitting UVA to qualify for future government grants and bonuses.
This marks the first agreement with a public institution since Columbia University and Brown University settled earlier this year, paying millions and agreeing to more stringent terms that prompted various policy changes, including revised disciplinary procedures.
The UVA agreement follows months of negotiations that resulted in the departure of the university’s former president this year. It also comes after UVA declined a previous agreement proposed by the Trump administration that would have offered certain institutions the chance to receive preferential funding in exchange for implementing specific policy changes.
