In March 2025, the University of South Florida (USF) became one of several universities under federal investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR).

The investigation focuses on the university’s participation in the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program, which is alleged to violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 due to its race-based eligibility criteria.

This probe is part of a broader wave of scrutiny targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs across U.S. higher education institutions following legal shifts and growing political pressure.

For universities, this investigation highlights the importance of ensuring that diversity initiatives align with federal law.

What Is the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program?

Established in 1984, the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program is designed to address the underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic faculty members in Florida's colleges and universities.

It offers financial support and academic mentorship to doctoral students from these communities, with the aim of increasing faculty diversity across Florida institutions (WUSF, 2025).

USF’s participation in this program has come under review after federal authorities raised concerns that its race-based eligibility criteria could violate Title VI regulations (U.S. Department of Education, 2025).

Details of the Federal Investigation

The OCR investigation into USF is part of a larger review of more than 50 universities across 41 states. Key areas of concern include:

• Race-Based Scholarships:
  The Department of Education has questioned whether scholarships awarded exclusively to specific racial groups constitute illegal racial preference (AP News, 2025).

• Affiliations with External Programs:
  USF’s association with the McKnight Fellowship, and other universities’ affiliations with organizations like The PhD Project, are being examined for potential violations of federal non-discrimination laws (U.S. Department of Education, 2025).

• Expansion of Enforcement:
  This investigation follows the Supreme Court’s 2023 affirmative action decision and a February 2025 directive that prohibits race-based preferences in admissions, scholarships, and other educational programs receiving federal funding (AP News, 2025).

USF’s Response

USF spokesperson Ryan Hughes has confirmed that the university is reviewing the OCR’s letter and intends to cooperate fully with the investigation.

He emphasized that the McKnight Fellowship is a longstanding program permitted under Florida state law and offered through multiple academic institutions (WUSF, 2025).

What This Means for Universities

• Policy Reviews Are Critical:
  Universities should audit all DEI programs and race-based scholarships to ensure compliance with Title VI and federal guidelines.

• Legal Alignment Must Be a Priority:
  Participation in programs that explicitly use race-based criteria, even if well-intentioned, can lead to federal investigations and potential funding risks.

• Transparency in DEI Efforts:
  Institutions must communicate how they are balancing legal compliance with diversity goals to both students and faculty.

• Reevaluate Partnerships:
  Universities should reassess partnerships with external DEI-focused organizations to confirm that those relationships adhere to federal regulations.

What Students and Faculty Should Watch For

• Potential Changes to Scholarship Programs:
  Watch for modifications to eligibility requirements for race-based scholarships and fellowships.

• Shifts in DEI Strategy:
  Universities may adjust their DEI initiatives to focus on broader opportunity-based efforts rather than demographic-specific ones.

• Campus Culture Impact:
  Faculty and student bodies should anticipate debates and discussions regarding the future of DEI on campus.

Conclusion

The federal investigation into USF’s participation in the McKnight Doctoral Fellowship Program reflects a larger shift in how DEI programs are being evaluated at the national level.

While the intent of such programs is to foster diversity, the evolving legal and political environment demands careful compliance with federal law.

Universities must now balance their commitment to inclusive education with the need to adhere to legal frameworks.

FAQs

What is Title VI of the Civil Rights Act?
Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.

Why is the McKnight Fellowship under investigation?
Federal authorities are questioning whether race-based eligibility criteria for the fellowship violate Title VI regulations (U.S. Department of Education, 2025).

What are the possible consequences for USF?
If found in violation, the university could face loss of federal funding and may need to restructure its diversity programs.

Are other universities being investigated?
Yes. Over 50 universities across the U.S. are under investigation for similar concerns regarding race-based scholarships and partnerships with DEI-focused organizations (AP News, 2025).

What should universities do now?
Conduct policy audits, consult with legal counsel, and ensure diversity programs are compliant with current federal law.

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Sources & References:

• U.S. Department of Education. (2025). Office for Civil Rights initiates Title VI investigations of institutions of higher education. Retrieved from https://www.ed.gov/about/news/press-release/office-civil-rights-initiates-title-vi-investigations-institutions-of-higher-education-0

• Associated Press. (2025). More than 50 universities face federal investigations under Trump’s anti-DEI campaign. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/f89dc9ec2a98897577ed0a6c446fae7b

• WUSF Public Media. (2025). A closer look at the race-based scholarship at USF that is under federal investigation. Retrieved from https://www.wusf.org/university-beat/2025-03-18/a-closer-look-at-the-race-based-scholarship-at-usf-that-is-under-federal-investigation

• Axios Tampa Bay. (2025). USF faces federal DEI probe over race-based scholarships. Retrieved from https://www.axios.com/local/tampa-bay/2025/03/17/usf-federal-dei-probe-race-based-scholarships