Trump Administration Reaches Settlement with University of North Carolina Over Discrimination Allegations

The Trump administration has finalized a settlement with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, effectively ending 18 active federal investigations and a separate Justice Department compliance review regarding alleged antisemitism and race discrimination at the institution. The settlement does not involve any monetary payment, and UNC does not admit to any wrongdoing. The agreement, which is valid until the end of 2028, ensures UNC’s continued eligibility for federal funding.

Key Provisions of the Settlement

Under the terms of the agreement, UNC is required to appoint an internal ‘Merit & Civil Rights Administrator’ alongside a ‘Title VI Coordinator’ in its compliance office to address complaints related to antisemitism and race-based discrimination. Elizabeth Hall, who currently serves as associate vice chancellor for university compliance, has been selected to fulfill both roles in addition to her existing responsibilities. She will serve as the main point of contact for the Justice Department and will supervise UNC’s reporting requirements.

Chancellor Lee H. Roberts from UNC stated, “This announcement reinforces our commitment to the fair and equal treatment of everyone at Carolina.” Roberts highlighted that U.S. universities have faced increased scrutiny across various issues over different presidential administrations, expressing pride in resolving these matters at UNC in a way that safeguards their mission while affirming civil rights.

Mandatory Training and Policy Changes

The settlement mandates UNC to conduct mandatory antisemitism training for students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, UNC will enforce a prohibition on face masks used to conceal an individual’s identity, barring specific exceptions. The agreement stipulates that student groups involved in antisemitic discriminatory conduct will face disciplinary action.

Despite accusations from President Donald Trump and officials about pro-Palestinian protesters being antisemitic, protesters, including some Jewish groups, argue that opposing Israel’s military actions in Gaza is not antisemitic and that backing Palestinian rights does not equate to supporting extremism.

Admissions Policy Adjustments

UNC will implement what the Justice Department refers to as a ‘color-blind admissions system,’ preventing the university from using race or altering admissions procedures to modify the student body’s racial composition. However, UNC may take into account how applicants have overcome personal adversity and may consider elements of family background, such as poverty, provided these considerations are uniformly applied.

Moreover, UNC must maintain race-blind policies regarding student benefits, scholarships, financial aid, and programming. The administration has argued that policies favoring specific racial groups contravene federal anti-discrimination laws.

Closure of Investigations

UNC is obligated to submit any antisemitism and race discrimination complaints it receives to the DOJ and the Department of Education quarterly. Consequently, the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights will close 18 ongoing investigations into UNC, and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will conclude a separate compliance review initiated in April 2025.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Harmeet Dhillon, commented, “Title VI requires that all students — regardless of their ancestry or race — receive equal treatment under the law at federally funded colleges and universities.” He noted that policies in higher education that tolerate antisemitism or favor certain racial groups undermine the color-blind justice system, commending UNC for cooperatively fulfilling federal law obligations without resorting to litigation.

In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action, striking down race-based admissions programs at UNC and Harvard as unconstitutional. The federal government has targeted universities nationwide with investigations and threats to withdraw federal funding due to pro-Palestinian protests, diversity efforts, and transgender policies.

Other resolved settlements include Columbia University, which agreed to pay over $200 million, and Brown University, pledging $50 million over ten years to Rhode Island workforce development organizations. Harvard remains a primary focus of the administration’s actions but has yet to reach a settlement.