The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on August 18, 2026, that it has launched an investigation into the College of William & Mary to assess whether certain scholarships and benefits offered by the institution violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division is conducting a compliance review to determine if the college's practices favor applicants of specific races.
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon stated that awarding scholarships based on race is illegal and contradicts constitutional principles. The investigation will examine various programs, including the W&M Scholars program, which considers applicants with an interest in diverse perspectives alongside academic ability and financial need. The DOJ also noted that the Martha L. Muguira Fellowship for graduate students gives preference to Hispanic or Latino women with financial need.
The investigation includes scrutiny of the Lemon Legal Scholars Program, which offers scholarships to HBCU graduates, and the Reaching Back Scholarship, which has a preference for HBCU graduates or those contributing to the diversity of the law school. The DOJ has requested specific documents from William & Mary by September 8, 2026, and may pursue formal action if compliance is not achieved. In response, the college affirmed its commitment to nondiscriminatory practices and compliance with relevant laws. The DOJ has not yet reached any conclusions regarding the investigation.