UNC settles 18 probes, preserves federal funding

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill reached a voluntary agreement with the Justice and Education departments to resolve 18 federal civil-rights investigations, along with a review of its admissions practices. The investigations covered allegations including race and sex discrimination, antisemitism and harassment, while the admissions review examined the university’s use of race. UNC did not admit wrongdoing and will pay no settlement, but the agreement preserves its eligibility for federal grants and research funding. Until the agreement ends in 2028, UNC must take compliance measures, including appointing a Title VI coordinator and submitting regular reports; some pending investigations will be paused and may close without adverse findings if the university complies. The Trump administration characterized the deal as enforcing civil-rights protections, while UNC said it reinforces fair treatment and protects the university’s mission. The broader federal campaign against universities has drawn concerns that investigations and funding threats could chill free speech and academic freedom, particularly around protests over Israel and Gaza.