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KINGSTON, R.I. — Federal officials have launched a civil rights probe into the University of Rhode Island, accusing the institution of five serious violations — including a controversial allegation involving over 35 scholarships under fire for allegedly having discriminatory and exclusionary eligibility criteria.
“The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) can confirm there are five open investigations of the University of Rhode Island under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and/or Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” according to officials with the U.S. Department of Education, whose civil rights office is leading the inquiry.
In a letter dated Monday, the DOE confirmed to the conservative advocacy group Equal Protection Project that federal civil rights officials have begun an investigation of the group’s complaint of discrimination filed a month ago. The group has brought complaints to the DOE about other universities nationwide and is based in Bristol.
The university responded that the opening of an investigation by the OCR does not mean that the OCR has made a final determination regarding the merits.
“As we’ve stated previously, the University works diligently to comply with the regulatory landscape, and we remain committed to our foundational values, including fostering an inclusive community and respect for the rights and dignity of all,” said Dawn Bergantino.
Federal officials also acknowledged ongoing investigations now or in the recent past of similar complaints at URI, but have accepted new allegations that the Equal Protection Project has filed with the DOE and its Office of Civil Rights.
“OCR will investigate whether the University discriminates on the basis of race, color, or national origin by administering the scholarships referenced in Allegations 1–28… It will also investigate whether the University discriminates on the basis of sex by administering the scholarships referenced in Allegations 29–35,” Paul Easton, an OCR attorney, wrote to Equal Protection Project founder William A. Jacobson.
The Rhode Island nonprofit, encouraged by last year’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision prohibiting the use of race in college admissions, has found this a useful decision on which to base the URI and other allegations. It is among many targets nationwide.
* For the full story, pick up a copy of this week’s Independent on newsstands now or purchase a subscription to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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