Full Breakdown
Metropolitan State University of Denver Faces Civil Rights Complaints Over Scholarship Programs
1/30/2026, 10:41:18 PM
Allegations of Discrimination in Scholarship Programs
Metropolitan State University of Denver (MSU Denver) is currently facing two federal civil rights complaints filed by the Equal Protection Project, a legal watchdog. The complaints allege that 20 of the university's scholarship programs are either illegally race-based or reserved for undocumented immigrants, potentially violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prohibits discrimination based on race or national origin in institutions receiving federal funding. The complaints were submitted to the Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights.
The Equal Protection Project claims that 11 of the scholarship programs in question are explicitly race-based, while nine are reportedly designated for undocumented immigrants and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. For instance, the Stephen & Ruth Jordan Student Access Endowed Scholarship gives preference to first-generation students and "members of an ethnic minority," while the Irv Brown Endowed Scholarship specifically awards funds to "undocumented and international students."
University’s Commitment to Diversity
MSU Denver, established in 1965, has a diverse student body, with approximately 57% of its 17,000 undergraduates identifying as non-white. The university promotes itself as a "Hispanic-Serving Institution" and emphasizes its commitment to serving DACA and undocumented students. A university spokesperson stated that MSU Denver regularly reviews scholarship criteria to ensure compliance with federal and state laws. They also highlighted that the university awards over $97 million in grants and scholarships to students from various backgrounds, which they claim helps nearly 60% of students overcome financial barriers.
Criticism of Scholarship Practices
William Jacobson, president and founder of the Equal Protection Project, expressed concern over the university's scholarship practices. He stated, “We think it’s outrageous that universities funded by the federal government would have scholarships that discriminate against American-born students.” Jacobson also noted that many colleges are allegedly rebranding and obscuring discriminatory programs, particularly since the change in presidential administration. He emphasized the group's mission to expose such practices, stating, “Our challenge for 2026 is unmasking them.”
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the allegations, MSU Denver reiterated its commitment to an inclusive educational environment. The spokesperson emphasized that the university's modified open-access mission supports all students, allowing automatic admission for those over 20 years old with a high school diploma or GED, as mandated by state law. The university maintains that its scholarship programs are designed to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Equal Protection Project claims that the scholarship programs discriminate against American-born students, MSU Denver asserts that its practices comply with legal standards and aim to support a diverse student population. The ongoing investigation by the Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights into similar scholarship practices at other institutions adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We think it’s outrageous that universities funded by the federal government would have scholarships that discriminate against American-born students,” — William Jacobson, President, Equal Protection Project
- “Our challenge for 2026 is unmasking them.” — William Jacobson, President, Equal Protection Project
- “The university awards more than $97 million in grants and scholarships to students of all backgrounds.” — MSU Denver Spokesperson
