Claremont Colleges find themselves at the center of a contentious legal dispute over their race-based affirmative action policies. The Equal Protection Project of the Legal Insurrection Foundation, a civil rights watchdog organization, has filed a federal civil rights complaint against the Claremont Colleges, citing alleged violations of Title VI and Title IX of the Civil Rights Act. The complaint alleges that the colleges are offering scholarships and fellowships that prioritize race, color, national origin, or sex, thereby violating these federal anti-discrimination statutes.
At the heart of the controversy are financial aid initiatives such as the Black Scholars Award and the Pat Soldano Fellowship for Women Leaders, which are designed to provide opportunities for minority and female students. These programs have been criticized by the Equal Protection Project for their alleged discriminatory nature, as they are said to limit access to non-White applicants. The complaint claims that these scholarships and fellowships, which are administered by the Claremont Colleges, are in violation of Title VI, which prohibits discrimination in programs that receive federal funds.
William A. Jacobson, the founder of the Equal Protection Project, has been a vocal critic of the colleges’ use of race-based affirmative action. In a statement, he argued that the existence of race- and sex-based scholarships at highly-ranked institutions highlights the pervasive influence of Critical Race Theory and DEI initiatives in higher education. He called for an end to these discriminatory practices and emphasized the need for education systems to prioritize the inherent worth and dignity of every student over identity-based categorization.
The complaint is part of a larger, ongoing debate over diversity programs in higher education. It follows recent actions and statements by former President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized institutions such as Harvard University over their admissions policies and alleged anti-semitism on campus. The Trump administration reportedly initiated an investigation into Harvard’s admissions practices to determine whether they comply with the Supreme Court’s recent decision to end affirmative action in college admissions.
The Claremont Colleges, which include Pomona College, Claremont McKenna College, Harvey Mudd College, Scripps College, and Pitzer College, are among the most prestigious liberal arts institutions in the United States. The complaint has sparked controversy among educators and policymakers, with some arguing that race-conscious admissions and scholarship programs are essential tools for promoting diversity and addressing historical inequities in education.
In response to the allegations, Claremont Colleges have remained silent, with no immediate official statement or clarification on the situation. The outcome of this legal dispute could set a precedent for how race-based affirmative action policies are handled in higher education, particularly in institutions that receive federal funding and are subject to Title VI regulations.