Colleges Cut Ties with PhD Project After Federal Pressure

Diversity programs face scrutiny under Trump administration education policies

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Colleges across the country are backing away from partnerships with the PhD Project, a program designed to increase the number of business school professors from underrepresented backgrounds, after pressure from the Trump administration's Department of Education. Over 100 schools have cut ties with the organization following federal investigations into 45 universities involved with the PhD Project.

Why it matters

The moves by colleges to end relationships with diversity-focused organizations like the PhD Project could shrink pathways for students of color who have historically felt isolated in higher education, critics argue. However, supporters of the administration's actions see these programs as intended to exclude others based on race.

The details

As part of settlements with the Department of Education, 31 universities agreed to review partnerships with organizations that 'restrict participation based on race' and either end those relationships or explain why they would continue them. Some schools have already acted, with the California State University system planning to end its relationship with the Links Inc., a volunteer group historically composed of Black women, and Clemson University ending its partnership with Field Inclusive because the nonprofit offered discounted memberships to people of color.

  • In March 2026, the U.S. Department of Education opened investigations into 45 universities tied to the PhD Project.
  • Since the investigations began, more than 100 schools have cut ties with the PhD Project organization.

The players

PhD Project

An organization founded in 1994 that works to increase the number of business school professors from underrepresented backgrounds.

Linda McMahon

The U.S. Education Secretary who framed the moves by colleges as a 'reset' and the 'Trump effect in action'.

Wil Del Pilar

A critic from Education Trust who argues the moves could shrink pathways for students who have long felt isolated in higher education.

Nicole Neily

The president of Defending Education, a supporter of the administration's actions who sees diversity-targeted programs as intended to exclude others based on race.

Alfonzo Alexander

The president of the PhD Project, who says the organization has opened its conference to students of any race and is looking for ways to still make a significant impact.

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What they’re saying

“This is the Trump effect in action: institutions of higher education are agreeing to cut ties with discriminatory organizations, recommitting themselves to abiding by federal law, and restoring equality of opportunity on campuses across the nation.”

— Linda McMahon, U.S. Education Secretary (balleralert.com)

“It's terrible. There is no evidence that students from other racial or ethnic backgrounds lose access or opportunity.”

— Wil Del Pilar, Education Trust (balleralert.com)

“Programs that target specific racial demographics are intended to exclude others.”

— Nicole Neily, President, Defending Education (balleralert.com)

“We see paths forward where we can still make a significant impact in this country and the world.”

— Alfonzo Alexander, President, PhD Project (balleralert.com)

What’s next

For now, universities remain in negotiations, and the future of many diversity-centered partnerships hangs in the balance.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in higher education and the Trump administration's policies aimed at rolling back such programs. The fate of the PhD Project and similar initiatives remains uncertain as colleges navigate federal pressure to end partnerships focused on supporting underrepresented students and faculty.