DOJ Investigates William & Mary for Possible Race-Based Scholarships

The DOJ opened an investigation into William & Mary over alleged race-based scholarship criteria.

On August 18, 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice announced it is investigating the College of William & Mary for allegedly using race-based criteria in its scholarship and student benefit program. This inquiry examines whether the school favors minority applicants in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws.

This investigation is part of a broader DOJ push to challenge race-conscious policies in higher education, particularly after the 2023 Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which banned the use of race in admissions. Earlier in 2026, the DOJ found that Duke University School of Law unlawfully discriminated based on race by giving non-white applicants an advantage despite lower LSAT scores than rejected white and Asian applicants.

Other ongoing investigations include:

• Arizona State University, scrutinized for denying equal treatment in its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs;
• City University of New York, examined over its Black Male Initiative allegedly favoring black males.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, leading these efforts, has stated that race "can never play a role when deciding how to distribute educational resources or opportunities," emphasizing the DOJ's zero-tolerance policy for unlawful discrimination in educational settings.

While specific details about William & Mary's scholarship policies remain undisclosed and the college has not publicly responded, this investigation highlights the continuing legal challenges institutions face in balancing diversity goals with compliance under federal law.

What's next: More details about William & Mary's policies and DOJ findings are expected as the investigation proceeds.