A civil rights lawsuit alleges that the University of California is running a significant, taxpayer-funded academic program that favors Latino students while excluding others.
The Puente Project operates at 65 community colleges and is said to be in violation of both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Constitution, according to a recent filing by the Equal Protection Project, a conservative legal group, with the U.S. Department of Education.
William Jacobson, president of the Equal Protection Project, remarked that “the Puente Project reflects what has gone wrong in higher education,” suggesting it focuses too much on group identity in shaping educational opportunities.
Initially established in 1981, the Puente Project aimed to support Mexican American and Latino students facing academic challenges.
With $13 million in state funding, the project’s goal is to help increase the number of “disadvantaged” and “underrepresented” students transferring from community colleges to four-year institutions.
The lawsuit claims that students in the Puente Project receive a “second chance” at enrollment in California State University, unlike their peers.
Enrollment statistics suggest that, at some campuses, Puente Project participants are predominantly Latino. In fact, Nalco University, Golden West University, and Napa Valley Community have reported student bodies that were entirely Latino, with no representation from white, black, or Asian students.
The complaint argues that the Puente Project sends “strong racially exclusive signals,” indicating that its benefits are specifically meant for Hispanic or Latino students. It labels this approach as “racist advertising,” which may deter non-Hispanic applicants from seeking enrollment.
The Puente Project is overseen by the Office of the Chancellor at the University of California and the Office of the Chancellor of California Community Colleges.
Jacobson emphasized the necessity for equity among all students, regardless of their racial or ethnic background. He stated, “The remedy for racial discrimination is never more racial discrimination. There are lawful ways to pursue greater diversity without resorting to discrimination.”
There’s been no response yet from either the University of California provost’s office or the community college president’s office regarding these claims.
The U.S. Department of Education hasn’t commented either.
Federal education officials have already reached settlements with Columbia University and the City University of New York related to issues of discrimination against Jewish students.
The Equal Protection Project has also filed similar complaints and lawsuits against various educational institutions across the country, targeting over 500 scholarships and programs they deem discriminatory.
