DOJ Investigates ASU’s Diversity Programs

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has begun an investigation regarding Arizona State University’s (ASU) diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. This action follows the release of viral videos suggesting that university staff may have denied equal treatment to students based on race, color, or national origin.

The federal agency made this announcement on Wednesday.

“No student should be denied access to opportunities or resources because of race, color, or national origin. The United States is committed to keeping universities free of unlawful discrimination — especially when they try to hide illegal conduct to avoid oversight and compliance,” stated Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon from the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division.

According to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, federal funding mandates that colleges and universities provide equal access to students without discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.

The videos in question were released by Accuracy in Media (AIM), a conservative media watchdog established in 1969. They include undercover footage where AIM members questioned ASU staff about the incorporation of DEI into classroom settings. In one segment, an associate professor discussed the school’s “inclusive” curriculum related to criminal justice programs.

“I think that there definitely is that within the curriculum. Although you’re not going to see the reference as predominant as it was perhaps two years ago, but it’s still very much a part of the investigation,” the professor remarked, seemingly acknowledging that DEI initiatives persist at the university.

In response, an ASU spokesperson defended the institution’s practices, emphasizing that discrimination is strictly against state law.

“Not only would doing so violate Arizona Board of Regents and ASU policy, but ASU has operated under a state constitutional provision since 2010 that prohibits preferential treatment or discrimination based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in public education. ASU acknowledges the DOJ’s announcement regarding the investigation and the ‘recent viral videos’ mentioned. However, the university won’t comment on these videos, as they pertain to secret recordings of employees unauthorized to speak on behalf of the institution,” the spokesperson stated.

The DOJ’s investigation aims to determine if ASU engages in illegal discrimination through its DEI policies related to admissions, recruitment, scholarships, tutoring, and educational support.

The inquiry is still ongoing, and no conclusions have been reached thus far.