Defending Education files complaint against University of Wisconsin over racial discrimination claims

The organization Defending Education has filed a complaint against the University of Wisconsin-Madison, alleging racial discrimination in violation of federal laws. The complaint, submitted on April 9, 2025, accuses the university of providing financial aid based on race, which DE claims is discriminatory against the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Defending Education brings forth this complaint as an interested third-party organization with members who are parents and students nationwide and who oppose racial discrimination in educational institutions. The complaint centers around a scholarship program at UWM that grants financial aid of $1,000 to $3,300 per year to minority undergraduate students from specified racial and ethnic backgrounds. This scholarship aims to improve student retention and graduation rates while reducing student debt.

The university's Lawton Grant is administered across its schools and colleges, and according to allegations in the complaint, participation in this scholarship program is effectively universal among UWM departments. The eligibility for the Lawton Grant requires applicants to be Wisconsin residents and belong to one of the statutorily designated minority groups, along with fulfilling specific academic and financial criteria.

Defending Education argues that the program distributes financial benefits based on race, which they claim violates Title VI, which prohibits race-based discrimination in programs receiving federal financial assistance, and the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. The complaint includes evidence of what DE terms racial discrimination by the university.

The Department of Education is urged to investigate these claims promptly and take appropriate actions to address any unlawful policies. The complaint references past Supreme Court decisions, including the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case and a 2024 decision against Harvard College, emphasizing the Court's stance against racial discrimination in educational policies.

The Department's guidance on Title VI includes areas such as admissions, financial aid, and student services as subset activities covered under this regulation, relevant to this complaint. DE seeks swift investigation and correction from the Department regarding the alleged discriminatory practices at UWM.