Illinois runs racially discriminatory scholarship program against white applicants

On March 13, 2025, it was reported that the Illinois Board of Higher Education operates a graduate scholarship program that specifically excludes white applicants. This decision has raised significant legal concerns, with several attorneys arguing that the program is unconstitutional and violates federal law. The scholarship is part of a broader initiative involving more than two dozen universities in Illinois, including prestigious institutions like Northwestern University and the University of Chicago. As a result, these universities risk losing federal funding due to their involvement in this program, which many legal experts view as an affliction of affirmative action that negatively targets a specific racial group. The legal implications are serious, as any institution participating in the program could face penalties, losing eligibility not just for grants but also for essential student loans. The Trump administration has indicated strong opposition to race-based programs and has taken actions against institutions that do not comply with federal guidelines regarding equal treatment. Attendees and beneficiaries of these funds have raised concerns over the impact this exclusion could have on future applicants and educational equality. Further allegations of discrimination have arisen from a separate case in Michigan involving Calvin University, accused of having several scholarships deemed discriminatory against certain races and genders. This situation underlines a paradigm shift in how higher education institutions manage scholarships and their alignment with civil rights legislation. The allegations against Calvin University highlight broader concerns about adherence to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and Title IX. University administrators are under pressure to amend these programs to align with federal laws as the Department of Education has begun to scrutinize institutions for compliance. With numerous civil rights organizations and legal experts ready to challenge any programs that discriminate based on race or gender, the outcomes of these initiatives could reshape the scholarship landscape in higher education for years to come.