The University of Virginia (UVA) struck a deal with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday to resolve five investigations relating to racial discrimination and other allegations of illegal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices.
The agreement certifies that UVA remains in compliance with federal civil rights laws and does not use race as a factor in admissions, hiring or any other decisions. The university’s president was forced to resign in June as part of a resolution to a DEI investigation after the university was accused of rebranding its DEI framework rather than entirely dismantling it as required by law.
“In the agreement, UVA acknowledges its obligation to follow civil rights laws,” UVA interim President Paul Mahoney said in a statement announcing the agreement. “The United States acknowledges the work we are doing to demonstrate full compliance and agrees to suspend the investigations while we continue that work.”
The agreement does not require UVA to pay the federal government or adopt an outside monitor, as previous agreements the Trump administration struck with other universities state. UVA will also not receive any special treatment in federal grant decisions, the university said, referring to a compact recently offered to several universities that would give favorable consideration in such funding decisions in exchange for a promise to adhere to several of the administration’s agenda items. UVA, as well as every other university offered the deal, rejected the proposal.
UVA is required to deliver quarterly reports to the DOJ through 2028 detailing “its efforts to ensure compliance with federal law.” The agreement specifically states that the federal government retains no right “to dictate the content of academic speech or curricula” at UVA.
“This notable agreement with the University of Virginia will protect students and faculty from unlawful discrimination, ensuring that equal opportunity and fairness are restored,” assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division said in a statement. “We appreciate the progress that the university has made in combatting antisemitism and racial bias, and other American universities should be on alert that the Justice Department will ensure that our federal civil rights laws are enforced for every American, without exception.”
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