FACT CHECK: University of Kansas on list for DEI investigation, but some changes have already been made

LAWRENCE, Kan. (KCTV) - The Education Department announced investigations Friday into more than 50 universities that are being investigated for alleged racial discrimination as part of the Trump administration’s campaign to end diversity and inclusion programs.

Last month, the Department of Education sent a memo to universities warning they could lose federal money over “race-based preferences” in admissions, scholarships or other aspects of student life.

The University of Kansas is among those on the list of universities under investigation.

View the full list of universities under investigation

KCTV5 Fact Check looked into what the university has already done along those lines.

The Kansas legislature had already pressured state universities to make changes. Kansas House Bill 2015 passed in April 2024. The bill bans state colleges and universities from considering diversity, equity and inclusion when hiring faculty, admitting students, or awarding financial aid.

After the bill was passed, KU announced the merging of resource centers: one on gender diversity, a center for women, and the office of multicultural affairs would merge into a single entity — the KU Student Engagement Center.

Nicole Hodges Persley, formerly the vice provost of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging now heads a new Office of Community Impact. The goal of the office is to provide resources to ensure that everyone feels they have a place at the university.

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