White students are taking a stand against what they argue is racial discrimination embedded within the Biden-Harris Administration’s scholarship programs.
At a Glance
- Two college students sued the Biden-Harris administration, alleging racial discrimination in a scholarship program.
- The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Benjamin Rothove, Avery Durfee, and the Young America’s Foundation by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL).
- The lawsuit claims the Department of Education’s Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program violates equal protection rights.
- Emails were sent to the plaintiffs stating they couldn’t apply for the McNair scholarship because they were white.
Students Sue Over Alleged Discriminatory Program
Filed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty (WILL) on behalf of the students and the Young America’s Foundation, the lawsuit contends that this $60 million program excludes white, Asian, Jewish, and Arab students, violating their civil rights.
The plaintiffs received emails from their respective colleges, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of North Dakota, clearly stating that they were ineligible to apply for the scholarship solely because of their race.
The suit points at the McNair program for requiring applicants to be from an “underrepresented” group or be a low-income college student, which the students claim inherently discriminates against those who fall outside these racial categories.
WILL Aims to Curb Race-Based Treatment in Colleges
Deputy counsel Dan Lennington of WILL emphasized that this suit is an effort to prevent any race-based treatment in college education. He stated, “We want this case to set the precedent that when a student is in college there can’t be any differing treatment of the student based on race. There can’t be any privileges given or advantages or benefits at all.”
Durfee voiced his discontent stating, “I’ve worked unbelievably hard throughout my undergraduate career and have wanted to go to graduate school my entire life. Being told that I didn’t qualify for the McNair program because I’m white seemed completely wrong. This sends the wrong message to young Americans everywhere.” His statement highlights the personal frustration experienced when academic achievements are overshadowed by race-based qualifications.
Additional Lawsuits Challenge Affirmative Action
This lawsuit adds to a growing list of legal challenges against affirmative action and diversity-focused programs. Recently, a conservative group also filed a lawsuit against Northwestern University’s law school for its hiring practices aimed at increasing diversity, arguing that it violates federal anti-discrimination laws.
These lawsuits follow the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions, highlighting the ongoing tension surrounding equal treatment and opportunities in education and employment.
Similarly, another legal battle involves Howard University, where Michael Newman, a former white student, is suing the historically Black institution for $2 million, alleging racial discrimination and a hostile educational environment. Newman’s claims include public ostracism and depression caused by the racial atmosphere at the university.
As these cases unfold, the national conversation on affirmative action, diversity policies, and racial equality will undoubtedly intensify. One thing is clear: the controversy surrounding race-based criteria in education isn’t going away anytime soon.
