The U.S. Department of Education has launched investigations into 45 universities over their connections to The PhD Project, a nonprofit program aimed at helping Black and Latino students pursue business degrees [1].

The investigation, announced last week, follows social media posts by conservative strategist Christopher Rufo in January 2025 that brought attention to the previously little-known program. The Education Department warned that schools could lose federal funding over 'race-based preferences' in admissions, scholarships, or student life programs [1][2].

Among the institutions under investigation are major public universities including Arizona State, Ohio State, and UC Berkeley, as well as private institutions such as Yale, Cornell, Duke, and MIT. The Department has set a March 31 deadline for universities to provide information about their relationships with the nonprofit [1].

In response to the investigations, several universities have already severed ties with The PhD Project:

University of Kentucky terminated its relationship on March 18, 2025University of Wyoming announced plans to discontinue its membershipArizona State University ceased financial support and conference participationTexas A&M and eight other Texas public universities withdrew from the program's conference [1][3]

The PhD Project has modified its approach, stating it has 'opened our membership application to anyone who shares that vision' of creating a broader talent pipeline of business leaders [1].

Montana State University expressed surprise at the investigation, stating it was 'unaware of any complaint made internally with regards to The PhD Project' while affirming its compliance with state and federal laws [1].

The investigations come amid broader scrutiny of diversity programs in higher education. The Trump administration has demonstrated willingness to withhold federal funding, as evidenced by its recent withdrawal of $400 million from Columbia University over concerns about pro-Palestinian protests [1][4].