On February 14, 2025, the Office of Civil Rights issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) outlining its interpretation of federal civil rights laws, particularly Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This DCL does clearly present the new administration’s position that Title VI’s prohibition of discrimination should be applied to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at educational institutions receiving federal funds. The letter expanded on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision regarding the use of racial preferences in college admissions. It asserts that federal law prohibits schools that receive federal funding from using race in decisions on admissions, hiring, promotion, compensation, financial aid, scholarships, prizes, administrative support, discipline, housing, graduation ceremonies, and all other aspects of student, academic, and campus life. The letter provided a 14-day deadline for institutions to eliminate the use of race (or other allegedly neutral criteria that serve as proxies for race) in these decisions or risk losing federal funding.
A DCL does not have the force of law. Legal challenges to this DCL are expected, which may delay implementation or alter enforcement priorities.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is reviewing its programs, scholarships, admissions policies, and other aspects of operations and student life as stated in the letter to ensure our policies and actions comply with existing civil rights law. We remain committed to programs and activities that are inclusive and non-exclusionary.
