WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has launched its sixth investigation into claims that an HHS-funded program may improperly use race-based criteria in its scholarship selection process. The probe seeks to determine whether the program violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act by allegedly providing preferential treatment to applicants based on race, color, or national origin.
The investigation follows allegations that the scholarship program excludes certain racial groups from eligibility. This approach, if verified, could contravene the principles of fairness outlined in Executive Order 14173, titled “Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.” The order directs federal agencies to enforce long-standing civil rights protections while countering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices that may violate these laws.
“The Office for Civil Rights will faithfully apply civil rights law using a colorblind lens to root out discriminatory criteria and promote individual excellence, grit, and hard work,” stated Anthony Archeval, Acting Director of OCR.
This investigation is the latest in a series that OCR has initiated under the second term of the Trump Administration. The first four investigations were announced in early March, with a fifth following later that month. All inquiries address concerns about race or sex-based criteria used by organizations benefiting from HHS funding.
OCR’s actions underscore the federal government’s commitment to ensuring that programs supported by taxpayer dollars align with national civil rights laws and uphold merit-based principles. Further updates on the investigations are expected as inquiries proceed.
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