The U.S. Department of Education has opened a civil rights investigation into the University of Michigan over its Dreamer Scholarship, which awarded $100,000 exclusively to DACA recipients and undocumented students during the 2023‑2024 academic year. Federal officials are reviewing whether the program violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race or national origin in institutions receiving federal funding.
This action is part of a broader federal review into five universities accused of offering exclusionary scholarships. Along with the University of Michigan, investigations were launched at Western Michigan University, the University of Louisville, the University of Nebraska Omaha, and the University of Miami. All five institutions are accused of prioritizing non‑citizens over American citizens in financial aid opportunities.
The University of Michigan’s own reports confirm the Dreamer Scholarship distributed $100,000 to students lacking legal status. Funds were used for tuition, housing, food, technology, legal services, and even therapy costs for recipients. The scholarship was created under the university’s Office of Academic Multicultural Initiatives.
Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights, stated the department is investigating whether these programs unlawfully exclude U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The complaint prompting the probe was filed by the Equal Protection Project, which argues that taxpayer‑funded institutions cannot provide aid based solely on immigration status.
If violations are confirmed, the university could be required to alter its scholarship criteria or face federal consequences, including risks to future funding. No fines have been issued yet, but refusal to comply could trigger further legal and financial actions.
The University of Michigan has acknowledged the investigation but has not provided additional comment. Similar programs at other universities remain under review as federal officials examine policies that favor non‑citizens while limiting opportunities for lawful residents and U.S. citizens.
