Department of Education Launches Investigation into FSU Scholarships
The Trump administration has initiated a federal civil rights investigation into Florida State University (FSU) following accusations that 32 of its scholarships discriminate against students based on race or sex. The Department of Education (DOE) issued this investigation, according to a letter obtained by Fox News Digital.
The DOE’s Office for Civil Rights will examine whether FSU’s practices have breached Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which forbids racial discrimination, and Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex. This inquiry follows a complaint filed by the Equal Protection Project (EPP) in July 2025.
William Jacobson, founder and president of the EPP and Cornell Law professor, expressed that FSU’s situation is notable. Despite challenging over 290 institutions, Jacobson stated this situation is among the most significant due to Florida’s proactive stance against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) measures.
FSU has responded by affirming that all students are eligible to apply for the questioned scholarships. The university explained that donor preferences do not equate to eligibility criteria. FSU specified these scholarships are privately funded and evaluated on merit.
Jacobson highlighted distinctions between donor preferences and eligibility requirements, arguing that FSU cannot sidestep discrimination claims by attributing requirements to donors. A cited example includes the Crockett Family Fund for Excellence, which preferred recipients be African American or Black.
Other disputed programs include the Crossman Career Builders Scholarship, preferring female recipients of specific racial backgrounds, and the Dynamic African American Women in Engineering Powerhouse Scholarship, which favored African American female students.
The DOE clarified their investigation is preliminary and not indicative of any legal violation by FSU. An analysis of evidence from FSU and other sources will be conducted by the DOE.
Despite the investigation being in its initial stages, Jacobson emphasized its importance, noting such probes are not routine for every complaint. The EPP’s stance is not to ban scholarships but to eliminate discriminatory practices within them. They seek equal opportunities for all students.
The EPP has encouraged further review by Florida’s Attorney General and Governor’s Office to understand how FSU’s scholarship policies developed human resource challenges in Florida’s educational standards.