WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Justice announced an agreement with the University of Virginia (UVA) to address concerns over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and ensure compliance with federal civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, sex, or national origin.
Under the agreement, UVA must comply with the Department’s Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination, confirming that it will not engage in racial discrimination in admissions, hiring, or other programs. The university will submit quarterly compliance data to the Department through 2028, with the university’s president required to personally certify adherence.
The Department agreed to pause its investigations into UVA’s admissions and other civil rights concerns and will continue to treat the university as eligible for future federal grants and awards. The agreement states that if UVA completes its planned reforms eliminating DEI programs, the Department will close its investigations.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division said the agreement “will protect students and faculty from unlawful discrimination, ensuring that equal opportunity and fairness are restored,” adding that “other American universities should be on alert” that civil rights laws will be enforced uniformly.
