Attorney General Todd Rokita is seeking information from the University of Notre Dame on diversity efforts. (Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued a letter on Thursday accusing the University of Notre Dame of potentially violating discrimination laws as well as jeopardizing its nonprofit status.
This is the second time the university has come under fire this year regarding its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. In March, the U.S. Department of Education included Notre Dame among 50 universities targeted for allegedly using racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs, according to WSBT. In that investigation, the university could face losing federal funding if found in violation.
At the time the university released a statement saying “As always, The University of Notre Dame follows the law and in no way practices or condones discrimination. As a Catholic university, we are fully committed to defending the dignity of every human person and ensuring that every person can flourish.”
Rokita’s letter alleges that Notre Dame’s 2023 Strategic Framework and public materials suggest discriminatory practices, including differential treatment based on race or ethnicity.
In the letter, he also points to the universities’ efforts to boost “underrepresented” student and faculty members, track enrollment in courses taught by faculty who “look like” underrepresented students, and host racially segregated “multicultural recognition ceremonies” for graduates. He argues these practices breach Indiana’s anti-discrimination laws and federal laws, specifically in light of the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard that imposed restrictions on race-based admissions.
“Notre Dame’s DEI policies raise troubling questions about whether, in its pursuit of DEI goals, the university may be crossing the clear line that Indiana law draws against racial discrimination. I am seeking answers,” Rokita said in the letter.
The office requested detailed documentation and information including admissions and hiring practices, changes made to its practices following the Students for Fair Admissions decision, guidance it provides to faculty and admission staff on its DEI goals and an explanation on whether and how race plays a role in recruiting, hiring and enrollment.
Rokita asked Notre Dame to respond by June 9. If the university does not respond, the office could take legal action against the university and jeopardize its nonprofit status.