Lexington, KY, October 4, 2025
News Summary
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is investigating the University of Kentucky for alleged race-exclusionary practices in its graduate programs. The investigation is part of a wider scrutiny of 45 universities nationwide for potentially favoring certain racial groups. UK is accused of violating civil rights through its association with The Ph.D. Project, which supports underrepresented minority students. To comply with federal guidelines, UK has cut ties with the project and is reevaluating other partnerships, prompting concerns about academic freedom and diversity on campus.
Lexington, KY – The University of Kentucky (UK) is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights for alleged “race-exclusionary practices” in its graduate programs. This examination is part of a broader series of investigations targeting 45 universities across the nation that are being scrutinized for potentially implementing policies that favor certain racial groups over others.
According to findings from the investigation, UK has been accused of violating civil rights by supporting students based on their race, particularly through its involvement with The Ph.D. Project. This nonprofit organization aims to mentor underrepresented minority students pursuing business-related doctoral degrees. The investigation ties into broader federal directives established during the Trump administration that mandate educational institutions to end practices perceived as promoting “racial preferences.”…