Settlement Reached Between Trump Administration and UNC Over Alleged Discrimination

The Trump administration has finalized a settlement with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to close 18 active federal investigations and a separate compliance review by the Justice Department regarding allegations of antisemitism and racial discrimination at the institution.

The settlement does not entail any financial payment, nor does UNC admit to any wrongdoing. It will remain effective until 2028, enabling UNC to continue receiving federal funds.

Key Positions and Training

As part of the agreement, UNC will designate an internal Merit & Civil Rights Administrator and establish a Title VI Coordinator within its compliance office. These positions aim to handle complaints concerning antisemitism and race-related discrimination.

The university has appointed Elizabeth Hall, associate vice chancellor for university compliance, to fulfill both roles alongside her current responsibilities.

The settlement mandates antisemitism training for students, faculty, and staff, reinforcing the university’s commitment to civil rights.

Policy Changes and Compliance

Furthermore, UNC will adopt a color-blind admissions system, prohibiting race consideration in altering student body racial composition, while allowing personal adversity and financial background considerations if applied consistently.

UNC will also enforce race-blind policies for student benefits, scholarships, financial aid, and programming.

The university will forward any antisemitism and race discrimination complaints to the DOJ and Department of Education quarterly.

Closure of Investigations

The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights will conclude 18 investigations into UNC, and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will terminate a separate compliance review initiated in April 2025.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon emphasized the importance of equal treatment under Title VI.

“Policies tolerating antisemitism or racial favoritism compromise our color-blind justice system. UNC’s cooperation is commendable, and we encourage other institutions to follow suit.”

Wider Impacts on Higher Education

In 2023, the Supreme Court invalidated affirmative action by rejecting race-based admissions programs at UNC and Harvard.

The Trump administration has scrutinized universities over pro-Palestinian protests, diversity initiatives, and transgender policies, threatening to withdraw federal funding.

Similar settlements have been reached with Columbia University, which paid over $200 million, and Brown University, contributing $50 million to Rhode Island workforce development. Harvard remains a primary target, yet no agreement has been made.