Seattle University faces a federal civil rights complaint for its race‑ and sex‑based scholarships, including one funded by Costco. The Equal Protection Project alleges the programs violate Title VI and Title IX by discriminating against students outside designated demographic groups.
The complaint, filed with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights, targets three DEI‑based aid programs. These include the Costco Scholarship Fund, which Seattle University operates in partnership with the University of Washington and limits to “underrepresented students of color.” William A. Jacobson, founder of the Equal Protection Project, argues the program effectively excludes non‑minority students, even if technically open. He urged Costco to clarify that race-based exclusions are not permitted.
Costco responded that the scholarship evaluates academic record, community service, and whether applicants come from underserved backgrounds, such as foster care, minority groups, or first-generation college students. The company maintains the program complies with federal law.
Seattle University also offers the Sinegal Fellowship and two additional scholarships prioritizing women and underrepresented groups. The Equal Protection Project claims these violate federal civil rights law, as well as state statutes and the university’s own anti-discrimination policies. Jacobson described them as crossing an “unlawful line” in pursuit of DEI goals.
The Equal Protection Project previously filed a similar complaint against the University of Rhode Island over 51 DEI scholarships, which excluded whites and males. That case prompted a federal investigation.
