The Trump administration has initiated a federal civil rights investigation into Florida State University (FSU) over allegations of discrimination in 32 scholarships based on race or sex. A Department of Education (DOE) letter, obtained by Fox News Digital, reveals this investigation spearheaded by the DOE’s Office for Civil Rights. The focus is whether FSU violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by discriminating based on race, color, or national origin, and Title IX by discriminating based on sex.
This investigation follows a July 2025 complaint from the Equal Protection Project (EPP), targeting 32 FSU scholarships. The DOE’s letter confirms FSU is federally funded, thus must adhere to Title VI and Title IX.
William Jacobson, founder of the EPP and Cornell Law professor, expressed surprise at FSU’s high number of alleged discriminatory scholarships compared to other universities. He highlighted Florida’s efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, contrasting with FSU’s practices.
According to the 34-page complaint, 14 scholarships allegedly discriminate based on race, color, or national origin, 13 based on sex, and 5 on both grounds.
FSU contests these allegations. In a statement to Fox News Digital, the university emphasized that all students are eligible to apply for and receive these scholarships. FSU insisted that donor preferences do not equal eligibility criteria, asserting that scholarships are funded through private donations and applicants are evaluated on merit.
One particular case is the Crockett Family Fund for Excellence, which states any student can apply, but the donor prefers an African American or Black recipient. Jacobson argues FSU cannot dismiss allegations by attributing preferences to donors, as the scholarships are promoted and awarded by the university system, holding them legally accountable.
Additional complaints include scholarships with preferences for specific demographics, such as the Crossman Career Builders Scholarship and the Dynamic African American Women in Engineering Powerhouse Scholarship.
The complaint also questions scholarships based solely on sex, like the College of Arts and Sciences Student Travel Awards, which shows a preference for female recipients.
Jacobson emphasized the problem lies in the wording around eligibility requirements and preferences. The DOE’s investigation does not imply FSU has violated federal law but aims to be a neutral factfinder.
Jacobson highlighted the significance of the formal investigation, noting it’s a considerable preliminary step. The EPP’s complaint claims scholarships violate federal laws and FSU’s nondiscrimination policy, arguing for fair opportunity without dismantling scholarships.
The EPP urges Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and Governor Ron DeSantis to examine these programs further. While neither DeSantis’s nor Uthmeier’s offices, nor the DOE, have immediately responded to requests for comment, Jasmine Baehr continues her coverage of these developments for Fox News Digital.
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