Nonprofit legal organization files civil rights complaint against Northwestern University for offering scholarships exclusively to ‘Palestinian’ students
A nonprofit legal organization has filed a civil rights complaint against Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, after the school announced plans to offer five scholarships exclusively to “Palestinian” students. The Equal Protection Project of the Legal Insurrection Foundation filed the complaint, alleging that the university’s decision to discriminate based on ethnicity and national origin violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The complaint specifically targets three members of the school’s administration for their involvement in issuing a formal agreement with a group of students and faculty who staged an unauthorized anti-Israel protest on campus. The agreement includes providing full scholarships to five Palestinian students and housing for MENA/Muslim students.
William A. Jacobson, president of the Legal Insurrection Foundation, stated that Northwestern must treat all students equally and that political expediency is not a legal excuse for discrimination. The university has not responded to requests for comment on the civil rights complaint.
Northwestern University, as a recipient of federal funds, is subject to Title VI, which prohibits intentional discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal financial assistance. The Office for Civil Rights has jurisdiction over the complaint and has the power to investigate and impose remedial relief, including fines or the termination of federal financial assistance.
The Legal Insurrection Foundation is calling on Northwestern to rescind the discriminatory parts of the agreement and open up scholarships and housing to all students, regardless of ethnicity or national origin. Students and residents have been protesting outside the university in support of Palestinian rights, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
Greg Wehner, a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital, is covering the story. Story tips can be sent to Greg.Wehner@Fox.com and on Twitter @GregWehner.
