DOJ Probes William & Mary Over Alleged Race-Based Scholarships

MIKE LACHANCE AUG 18, 2026 1:00 PM

It’s amazing to think cases like this would have been ignored if Trump hadn’t won in 2024.

Reuters reports:

DOJ probes College of William & Mary alleging discrimination in favor of minoritiesThe U.S. Department of Justice said on Monday it was probing the College of William & Mary, ​alleging the Virginia-based public research institution favored ethnic minorities ‌in certain scholarships and student benefits, and marking the Trump administration’s latest targeting of an educational institution.Here are details:

• The university said it was reviewing the ​information it received from the DOJ and did not ​comment on pending litigation matters.
• It said it was committed ⁠to nondiscriminatory learning environments and complying with federal and ​state laws.
• While William & Mary’s scholarships are not limited to any race, ​the DOJ said in a letter, opens new tab that one scholarship gave “top consideration” to applicants with “interest in diverse people and perspectives.”
• The DOJ said Hispanic women were given ​preference in a fellowship at W&M’s School of Education and ​that certain scholarships at W&M Law School “appear exclusively earmarked” for graduates of ‌Historically ⁠Black Colleges and Universities.
• Some programs were established to deal with the legacy of slavery and racial discrimination at William & Mary.
• President Donald Trump has targeted U.S. universities with probes and funding suspension ​threats over pro-Palestinian protests ​against Israel’s assault ⁠on Gaza, diversity initiatives, admissions practices, transgender policies and climate programs.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY