The future of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s diversity-based scholarships are in doubt after a U.S. Department of Education decision Friday ordered schools to eliminate race-based programs.
In a Feb. 14 letter addressed to schools, the department warned schools they risk losing federal funding if they continue taking race into account when making “financial aid, hiring, training, and another institutional programming” decisions. The department gives schools two weeks to comply with the decision.
UW-Madison currently awards diversity-based scholarships and has a host of “cultural centers, campus resources, student organizations, focus groups, listening sessions, and equity and inclusion activities [that] may have race-related themes as long as they welcome all students,” according to the university.
Scholarships, such as the Mercile J. Lee Scholars Program and The Falk Diversity Scholarship, are explicitly geared towards attracting and supporting students from “underrepresented groups.”
When asked if these scholarships and other race-based programs would be eliminated, UW-Madison spokesperson John Lucas told The Daily Cardinal university leaders are reviewing the Department of Education’s memo and would share more information when they have guidance or additional clarity. Lucas reaffirmed the university’s commitment to diversity.
“UW-Madison is committed to a campus environment that values diversity in both background and viewpoint, and fosters inclusion and belonging for all students, faculty and staff,” Lucas said.
The Department of Education’s decision “clarif[ies] the Department's interpretation” of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision overturning affirmative action. The court ruled the use of race in admissions is unconstitutional but clarified racially classifying and assigning students is lawful only if it achieves a compelling interest, which the court defines as remediating instances of past unconstitutional discrimination or avoiding imminent risks to safety.
In the letter, the department asserted the Supreme Court’s decision “applies more broadly.”
“At its core, the test is simple: If an educational institution treats a person of one race differently than it treats another person because of that person’s race, the educational institution violates the law,” the letter said. “Federal law thus prohibits covered entities from using race in decisions pertaining to admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life.”
After affirmative action was overturned, UW-Madison told the Cardinal diversity, equity and inclusion remains a “high priority” for the university and would continue awarding scholarships.
Gavin Escott is the campus news editor for the Daily Cardinal. He has covered protests, breaking news and written in-depth on Wisconsin politics and higher education. He is the former producer of the Cardinal Call podcast. Follow him on X at @gav_escott.
