The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on August 17, 2026, that it is investigating the College of William and Mary for possible violations of the Civil Rights Act. The investigation focuses on allegations that the college used race-based criteria in the distribution of scholarships and other student benefits, which could violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin.
The inquiry is particularly concerned with the university’s “W&M Scholars” program, which offers scholarships that cover the full cost of in-state tuition and fees to academically distinguished students. The program's criteria include a focus on “interest in diverse people and perspectives.”
Other programs under scrutiny include the Martha L. Muguira Fellowship, which reportedly gave preference to Latino and Hispanic women, and the Lemon Legal Scholars Program, which was allegedly earmarked for graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon stated that the investigation aims to determine if the college's practices favor applicants based on race, which would be illegal. The DOJ has not yet reached any conclusions regarding the investigation and will assess whether the college is violating Title VI.
The DOJ's notice emphasized that any educational benefits based on race could infringe upon the civil rights of all Americans. The investigation will also consider the college's compliance with Title VI's anti-discrimination requirements, as it currently receives federal financial assistance from the DOJ.