Hartford CourantBy Don StacomMay 29, 2025A conservative group that’s pursuing anti-DEI complaints against more than a dozen state universities on Wednesday targeted the University of Connecticut, accusing the school of violating civil rights law by setting aside numerous scholarships exclusively or chiefly for minority students.The Rhode Island-based Equal Protection Project complained to the federal education department’s Office of Civil Rights that UConn illegally invoked race, ethnicity or gender in awarding several scholarships.“That racially discriminatory scholarships exist at a major public university is disheartening. It is time for higher education everywhere to focus on the inherent worth and dignity of every student rather than categorizing students based on identity groups,” according to William A. Jacobson, founder of the campaign.Numerous universities and colleges maintain “minority-focused” scholarships, internship programs, summer residencies or other financial aid tools aimed at increasing enrollment by Black, Hispanic or other student groups.Educators contend that affirmative action programs are important to overcoming a historical pattern in which minorities have been under-represented in higher education.But the Equal Protection Project insists that race- or nationality-based financial awards are unconstitutional.
Sadly in today's climate... I believe they will win.
The Salt Lake Tribune reported last year that,
The University of Utah and Weber State University are making extensive changes under HB261.By Courtney TannerJune 25, 2024Black students will no longer have a dedicated center at the University of Utah where they can go for support or to talk about experiencing racism with someone who’s been through the same.Women, too, will also lose their space at the flagship school that was devoted to their unique challenges, such as coping in the aftermath of a sex assault (which women are disproportionately more affected by). And those in the LGBTQ+ community — many of whom have described their center at the U. as their only safe spot on campus — will see theirs eliminated, as well.The U. announced late last week that all three centers will be disbanded as the university reorganizes to comply with the state’s anti-DEI law.It’s the second public school in the state — following Weber State University — to take such a hardline, far-reaching approach to the new conservative-backed requirements around limiting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in education. Both universities are taking action to eliminate cultural programs beyond what the state’s new law mandates.
Other colleges, and states are also forcing out cultural centers in fear of Trump wrath or Republican ideology. Here in Connecticut UConn’s cultural centers are:
African American Cultural Center (AACC): Provides programs, activities, and resources to foster appreciation and understanding of the heritage and cultural experiences of African Americans and people of African descent in the United States and globally.
Asian American Cultural Center (AsACC): Offers resources and programming to enhance diversity, focusing on recruitment, retention, teaching, service, and outreach for the Asian American community at UConn and beyond.
Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center (PRLACC): Works to improve the status of Latinos, promoting awareness, understanding, and appreciation of Latino and Latin American cultures through educational and cultural programs, services, and leadership opportunities.
Rainbow Center: Supports the needs of the LGBTQIA+ community at UConn through advocacy, education, and programming, promoting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.
Women’s Center: Advocates for gender equity and provides support, programming, and resources related to women’s issues, leadership, and empowerment.
The thing is that anyone can join! You don't have to be a woman to attend the women's center. you don't have to be LGBTQ+ to be a member of the center... so how is that discrimination?
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