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Berkeley Today
By the People, for the People
UC Berkeley Faces Federal Probe Over Alleged Discriminatory Student Programs
Conservative nonprofit claims university's race-focused initiatives violate civil rights laws
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
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The Equal Protection Project, a conservative nonprofit, has filed a federal civil rights complaint against UC Berkeley, accusing the university of promoting several racially exclusionary programs that favor minority students. The complaint cites five specific programs, including the African American Student Development Office, the Black Resource Center, and various scholarships, alleging they discriminate against non-minority students in violation of federal law.
Why it matters
This complaint is the latest in a series of allegations against UC Berkeley over its diversity initiatives, which have faced scrutiny from the Trump administration and conservative groups who claim they amount to unlawful racial discrimination. The outcome of a potential federal investigation could have significant implications for the university's policies and programs.
The details
The 4,000-word federal complaint alleges that UC Berkeley's targeted programs for Black, Latinx, and Native American students use 'strong racial signaling' that is 'likely to dissuade students' who do not meet those racial categories from participating. The nonprofit argues these programs violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the 14th Amendment's equal protection guarantee.
- The complaint was filed on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
- In March 2024, UC Berkeley faced a federal complaint alleging it banned white students from the Gill Tract Community.
- In February 2025, students sued the UC Regents over alleged racial preferences in hiring and admissions.
- In May 2025, the Trump administration opened Title VI probes into dozens of universities, including UC Berkeley, over potential civil rights violations tied to diversity programs.
The players
Equal Protection Project
A conservative nonprofit organization that filed the federal civil rights complaint against UC Berkeley.
UC Berkeley
The public university accused of promoting racially exclusionary programs that favor minority students.
US Department of Education
The federal agency that the Equal Protection Project has urged to launch an investigation into UC Berkeley's allegedly discriminatory programs.
What’s next
The US Department of Education has not confirmed whether it will launch an investigation into the allegations against UC Berkeley. The outcome of any potential federal probe could have significant implications for the university's diversity initiatives.
The takeaway
This complaint is the latest in a series of challenges to UC Berkeley's race-focused programs, which have faced scrutiny from conservative groups and the Trump administration. The case highlights the ongoing debate over the legality and appropriateness of such initiatives, with the university's commitment to diversity potentially clashing with concerns over racial discrimination.
