A federal civil rights challenge has been filed against Metropolitan State University of Denver over scholarship programs that allegedly exclude students based on race and immigration status. The complaints argue the programs violate federal law by favoring certain groups while denying equal access to others. The dispute adds to a growing national debate over fairness, equal protection, and the role of public universities.
According to filings submitted to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Justice, the public university is accused of administering scholarship programs that restrict eligibility based on race, ethnicity, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals status. The complaints were brought by the Equal Protection Project, a legal advocacy group that challenges discriminatory practices in education. The group contends that because the school receives federal funding, it is bound by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
The complaints identify roughly 20 scholarship programs offered through the school. Several reportedly include racial or ethnic preferences, while others are limited to undocumented or DACA-recipient students. Critics argue these restrictions unlawfully exclude U.S. citizens and lawful residents, creating unequal treatment under the law. Even when framed as “preferences,” the group maintains that such criteria still violate federal civil rights protections.
Metropolitan State University of Denver has responded by stating that it regularly reviews scholarship criteria to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. University officials have emphasized a commitment to serving a diverse student population and expanding educational access.
The case reflects a broader national pushback against race-based policies in education following recent court rulings reinforcing equal protection principles. Federal investigators will now determine whether the challenged scholarships comply with civil rights law, a decision that could influence how public universities structure financial aid programs nationwide.
