Lexington, KY, October 3, 2025

News Summary

The University of Kentucky has been found to have violated the Civil Rights Act for its involvement in The PhD Project, a race-based program. An investigation from the U.S. Department of Education uncovered that UK limited participation based on race. Following the findings, UK has severed ties with The PhD Project and is required to report to the Office of Civil Rights within 60 days, detailing its current affiliations that may impose race-based restrictions. This decision is part of UK’s commitment to ensuring compliance with federal laws and promoting a diverse academic environment.

Lexington, Kentucky – University of Kentucky Found in Violation of Civil Rights Act for Participation in Race-Based Program

The University of Kentucky (UK) has been determined to have violated the federal Civil Rights Act due to its participation in The PhD Project conference. An investigation carried out by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights led to this conclusion, amidst a broader inquiry that examined more than 50 universities for various racial preference practices linked to education programs and activities.

The findings revealed that UK had endorsed a program that limited participation based on race, thereby benefiting certain students while excluding others. As a consequence, UK was one of 45 institutions identified as violating the Civil Rights Act during the investigation. The university was paying $5,000 annually to attend The PhD Project’s annual conference, which has been criticized for fostering racial discrimination.

In response to the investigation’s findings, UK President Eli Capilouto acknowledged the university’s obligation to adhere to federal laws and policies. Shortly after the inquiry began, UK cut all ties with The PhD Project, which was characterized by the Office of Civil Rights as a “blatantly discriminatory program.” This decision was part of the school’s effort to rectify the identified violations.

UK has been directed to submit a report within 60 days to the Office of Civil Rights. This report must outline any other affiliations the university has with organizations that may impose restrictions on participation based on race. UK is also required to detail plans to terminate these relationships or justify their continuation.

Review Process Initiated

To facilitate compliance with federal policies, a specialized team has been formed at UK to assess its existing relationships with other organizations that may be in violation of the Civil Rights Act. This evaluation will incorporate perspectives from various departments, including procurement, contracting, Student Success, UK HealthCare, and the treasury.

Future Strategies and Commitment

Capilouto reiterated the university’s dedication to simultaneously adhering to federal guidelines and nurturing a diverse community on campus. He emphasized that the process of evaluating the university’s associations would require significant collaboration and effort from multiple individuals and departments across the institution.

Background of the Investigation

The investigation, which began in March under the previous Trump administration, scrutinized UK and other universities for their involvement in practices perceived to be exclusionary based on race. The ramifications of the investigation underscore the increasing federal focus on ensuring equal treatment in educational environments across the country.

Summary of Findings

In summary, the investigation into the University of Kentucky revealed serious concerns regarding race-based programming. UK’s proactive response in severing ties with The PhD Project and committing to a comprehensive review of its affiliations indicates a pivotal step toward ensuring compliance with civil rights legislation.

Key Facts

• UK violated the Civil Rights Act by participating in race-based programming.
• Investigation conducted by U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.
• 45 universities found in violation, including UK.
• UK paid $5,000 annually for The PhD Project conference attendance.
• UK severed ties with The PhD Project after the investigation began.
• UK must report to the Office of Civil Rights within 60 days.

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Additional Resources

• Kentucky.com
• WKYT
• Chronicle of Higher Education
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Civil Rights Act
• Google Search: University of Kentucky Civil Rights Act

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