CLEMSON, S.C. - The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Clemson University’s graduate program. Officials with the Department’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR) say Clemson is among 45 universities that violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act (1964) by partnering with “The PH.D. Project”.

The organization’s mission is “to expand the pool of workplace talent by developing business school faculty who encourage, mentor and support tomorrow’s leaders,” according to its website.

The investigation comes as part of a larger push by the Trump administration to eliminate "diversity, equity and inclusion" practices.

“The Department is working to reorient civil rights enforcement to ensure all students are protected from illegal discrimination. The agency has already launched Title VI investigations into institutions where widespread antisemitic harassment has been reported and Title IX investigations into entities which allegedly continue to allow sex discrimination; today’s announcement expands our efforts to ensure universities are not discriminating against their students based on race and race stereotypes,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon. “Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin. We will not yield on this commitment.” 

If Clemson University is found to have violated Title VI, it could result in the loss of federal funding.

Spectrum News has reached out to Clemson University for comment and is waiting to hear back.