Complaint Against Washington University
A conservative legal organization has lodged a formal complaint, calling for an investigation into Washington University in St. Louis. They accuse the university of engaging in ongoing illegal discrimination based on race and gender through its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
The complaint, a substantial document submitted to the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, asserts that Washington University has adopted DEI principles across various aspects, including admissions, hiring practices, curriculum development, and student services—all while receiving notable federal funding.
Specifically, the complaint claims that the university has violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It points to concerns over race-conscious admissions, diversity statements, race-focused student services, contracts favoring certain racial groups, and federally funded grants prioritizing “underrepresented” racial categories.
Since 2021, the institution is said to have received over $3.1 billion in federal funds—this includes substantial amounts from the National Institutes of Health. The accusation is that, while benefiting from these funds, Washington University has maintained programs that could potentially violate Title VI and a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding fair student admissions.
Additionally, it’s noted that Executive Order 14151, signed by President Trump in 2025, bans DEI practices that favor specific races or genders in federally funded projects.
The complaint highlights a bias reporting mechanism at the university, which reportedly encourages anonymous reporting of perceived “bias.” This has raised concerns from America First Legal, as they argue it stifles free speech and enforces a culture of ideological conformity.
The organization claims that DEI influences grading and professional advancement within the Olin School of Business, where compliance with DEI standards is reportedly conditional. It outlines further issues such as segregated coursework and punitive measures against students who might express dissenting views.
America First Legal highlights the potential ineffectiveness of the university responding to these allegations, suggesting that the university’s actions show a willful disregard for the law under the guise of bureaucratic changes.
The organization is requesting that the Department of Justice conduct a full investigation, eliminate the university’s DEI office and programs, review federal funding received post-2021, and possibly place conditions on future funding until compliance with civil rights legislation is demonstrated.
Fox News Digital has attempted to contact Washington University for their response.
It has also come to light that the university has relocated its DEI office to a restricted area instead of closing it, which aligns with the previous Trump administration’s actions concerning DEI initiatives.
