The U.S. Department of Justice announced a federal civil rights investigation into Arizona State University on June 3, 2026, following allegations the institution maintained diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices while concealing them from federal oversight.

According to the Civil Rights Division’s formal notice, recent viral videos indicated ASU denied equal treatment to students based on race, color, or national origin and attempted to hide discriminatory activities from federal scrutiny. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon, who leads the probe, emphasized that “no student should be denied access to opportunities or resources because of race, color, or national origin.”

ASU, one of the nation’s largest universities and a major recipient of federal funds, is under investigation for potential violations in admissions, recruitment, scholarships, tutoring, and educational support services. The probe specifically examines whether the university subjects students to illegal discrimination through its DEI policies.

The Department clarified that this remains an open investigation with no conclusions reached. Dhillon stated the division seeks to determine if ASU is obscuring unlawful practices while universities receiving federal funding must ensure equitable treatment for all students.