University faces civil rights complaint for limiting summer program to non-white applicants.

Civil Rights Complaint Filed Against University for Discriminatory Internship Program

A public university is facing a civil rights complaint over its Multicultural Summer Research Opportunities Program, which explicitly states that white students need not apply. The Equal Protection Project of the Legal Insurrection Foundation filed the complaint against the University of Minnesota, calling for the program to be open to students of all races and ethnicities.

Discrimination Has No Place in Education

William Jacobson, president of the Equal Protection Project, condemned the university’s actions, stating that “there is no good form of racial discrimination.” The program, which pays students $6,000 for a 10-week research project, requires applicants to provide demographic information, effectively excluding white students from participating.

Fighting Against Racism in Education

Jacobson founded the Equal Protection Project to oppose all forms of racial discrimination, stating that “racism is racism, regardless of who is excluded.” He called on the US Department of Education to investigate the university’s practices and withhold federal funding if necessary.

Ending Segregationist Practices

The complaint argues that the university’s actions violate federal, state, and local laws, and must be investigated with the possibility of fines, withholding of federal funding, or even prosecution. Jacobson emphasized that “federal funding should not be used to promote educational opportunities restricted by skin color.”

Equality for All Students

The university’s actions are a step backward in the fight for equality and justice. Discrimination has no place in education, and it is time for the University of Minnesota to take action and open its program to students of all races and ethnicities.