Indiana University accused of racial discrimination in scholarship program

Defending Education (DE) has filed a formal complaint against Indiana University (IU), alleging racial discrimination in its federal funding-supported programs. The complaint focuses on specific scholarships offered by the IU Indianapolis School of Education, such as the Patricia Payne Scholarship for Teacher Candidates, designed to give preference to African American students, particularly those intending to teach in public schools.

The scholarships in question are administered by IU’s Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (OVPDEI) and include several other race-based scholarships that offer preferential treatment to African American or Native American students. DE argues that these scholarships violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

DE asserts that the scholarships involve discrimination, stating they are "financial benefits granted expressly and unapologetically on the basis of race." Title VI mandates that no person in the U.S. shall be discriminated against under any program receiving federal financial assistance based on race, color, or national origin. The complaint cites a recent Supreme Court decision striking down similar admissions policies at Harvard College and the University of North Carolina and stresses the universal application of the Equal Protection Clause.

This complaint by DE underscores concerns about IU’s compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws. "Eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it," Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in the cited Supreme Court case. Additionally, DE calls for the Department of Education to investigate and address the illegal policies and practices outlined.

A significant precedent discussed in the complaint is a 2015 incident involving a school district's assembly limited to African American students. The Department of Education Office for Civil Rights determined that such exclusionary practices failed to pass strict scrutiny under the Equal Protection Clause and Title VI. DE urges the Department to consider this precedent in reviewing IU’s scholarship programs.

The organization asks for prompt action by the Department of Education to investigate and rectify these alleged violations, underscoring the need for equal protection and non-discriminatory practices in educational funding and aid.