The Department of Education launched civil rights investigations into 45 universities, including three D.C.-area schools, on Friday over allegations that those schools had violated Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
According to a press release from the department, the alleged violations happened because the universities worked with “The PhD Project,” a relatively small organization aimed at helping underrepresented students obtain doctoral degrees.
“Through conferences, mentoring, and networking, The PhD Project encourages and supports historically underrepresented candidates on their journey to acquiring a PhD,” the organization says on its website. “We are a critical bridge between businesses and our alumni PhDs and their students, providing connections to high-potential recruits.”…