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Two California universities face civil rights complaint over student program
The Equal Protection Project filed a complaint alleging that the University of Southern California and Loyola Marymount University violated federal civil rights laws by supporting a program limited to students who identify as Hispanic. The complaint claims the universities hosted events, provided speakers, and offered on-campus housing for the Youth Leadership Institute.
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Two private California universities are facing a civil rights complaint alleging they sponsored and facilitated a program that limits participation to students who identify as Hispanic. The Equal Protection Project filed the complaint with the U.S. Department of Education.
Program details The Youth Leadership Institute is administered by the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Loyola Marymount University held an in-person event for the program from June 24 to June 28. The University of Southern California is scheduled to host its own overnight component in July.
The complaint states that both universities receive some federal funding and are therefore subject to federal civil rights laws. It further alleges that restricting on-campus lodging to participants who identify as Hispanic violates Title II.
Response and context William Jacobson, president and founder of the Equal Protection Project, said the program discriminates on the basis of national origin. He stated that university involvement through hosting and support makes the institutions responsible under federal law.
The complaint asks the Department of Education to investigate the alleged Title VI violations. Any Title II complaint would fall under the Department of Justice due to a new intra-agency partnership. Other California institutions have faced similar federal scrutiny.
In May the Department of Justice sued the University of California, Los Angeles over alleged discrimination against Jewish and Israeli students. Earlier this month the Department of Justice opened an investigation into four California public school districts regarding Title IX compliance.
