The higher education institution’s external collaborative partners were described as being “discriminatory organizations.”
The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) recently announced that resolution agreements (RAs) have been secured with 31 colleges and universities that have agreed to put an end to their partnership with the Ph.D. Project. Following an investigation, the Education Department concluded that these higher education institutions were in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI) due to their collaboration with the Ph.D. project.
The Department described the Ph.D. Project as an organization that “provides doctoral students with insights into obtaining a Ph.D., but unlawfully limits eligibility based on the race of participants.”
“Institutions of higher education are agreeing to cut ties with discriminatory organizations, recommitting themselves to abiding by federal law, and restoring equality of opportunity on campuses across the nation,“ Education Secretary Linda McMahon said. “We are hopeful that other institutions with similarly discriminatory practices will follow suit, paving the way for a future where we reject judging individuals by the color of their skin and once again embrace the principles of merit, excellence, and opportunity.”
Due to these agreements, 31 universities have either already terminated their relationship with the Ph.D. Project, or have agreed to end the partnership. Each institution will also conduct a review of its other partnerships with external organizations to determine if Title VI has been violated by any of their collaborators.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For officials in the Department of Education as they seek to uphold the regulations and laws that are intended to make education fair and accessible.
- For Secretary McMahon to turn to God’s wisdom as she leads the Education Department.
Sources: Department of Education
