Story perspectives

DOJ Declares Minority Grants Unconstitutional, $12M at Risk

12/23/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has declared several grant programs for minority-serving institutions unconstitutional, citing racial criteria as a Fifth Amendment violation.
Linda McMahon, the U.S. Education Secretary, supports the DOJ stance and says race-based funding conditions must be eliminated.
The decision threatens more than $12 million in Native Hawaiian program funding, prompting concern from Hawaii's congressional delegation about opportunities for marginalized communities.

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Story summary

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has declared several grant programs for minority-serving institutions unconstitutional, citing racial criteria as a Fifth Amendment violation.
Linda McMahon, the U.S. Education Secretary, supports the DOJ stance and says race-based funding conditions must be eliminated.
The decision threatens more than $12 million in Native Hawaiian program funding, prompting concern from Hawaii's congressional delegation about opportunities for marginalized communities.