Case Particulars

Tribunal

Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights

Date Filed

May 1, 2024

Docket No.

OCR Case Number 05-24-2372

Case Status

OCR Complaint Filed; As of September 17, 2024, case closed due to a purportedly similar class action case being filed against Northwestern University.

Case Overview

On April 29, 2024, Northwestern University struck a deal to have the pro-Hamas unauthorized encampment removed, with a twist not seen at other universities. Northwestern agreed to establish preferences for “Palestinian” students in accessing a new scholarship program and “MENA/Muslim” [MENA = Middle East North Africa] students in housing. These ethnic, national origin, and shared ancestry preferences violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

On May 1, the Equal Protection Project (EqualProtect.org) filed a Civil Rights Complaint with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Education. OCR has jurisdiction because Northwestern receives federal funding.

EPP is the Complainant and the case is under evaluation by OCR.

On September 17, 2024, OCR sent a letter to EPP advising that it had closed the case due to a purportedly similar class action case being filed against Northwestern University.