Trump Administration Launches Civil Rights Fraud Unit Targeting University DEI Programs

The U.S. Justice Department announced Monday the formation of a new unit targeting federally funded universities over alleged misuse of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Named the “Civil Rights Fraud Initiative,” the unit will leverage the False Claims Act to investigate schools accused of promoting antisemitic or discriminatory practices while receiving federal funding.

Deputy Attorney Todd Blanche said in a memo that schools may violate federal law if they foster antisemitism, fail to protect Jewish students, or enforce gender policies that permit men in women’s bathrooms or allow women to compete against men in sports. He emphasized that institutions accepting taxpayer funds “cannot discriminate against their students.”

The False Claims Act is a powerful federal tool allowing the government—and even private citizens—to sue entities that defraud government programs. If successful, plaintiffs can share in the recovered funds.

The new initiative will be jointly led by the DOJ’s Civil Division’s Fraud Section and the Civil Rights Division, with dedicated teams in each of the country’s 93 U.S. Attorneys’ offices. The move intensifies President Donald Trump’s crackdown on universities, which his administration accuses of promoting “radical left” ideologies and anti-American sentiment.

Last week, The New York Times reported that the DOJ had launched a probe into whether Harvard University’s admissions policies violated a recent Supreme Court ruling ending affirmative action. Harvard, currently suing the government over revoked grants, called the inquiry “retaliatory” and a threat to higher education.

In response, a Harvard spokesperson reiterated the university’s commitment to legal compliance. However, the DOJ maintains the new unit will “aggressively pursue” institutions found to be in violation of civil and funding laws.