🎓 Duke Hit With $108M Funding Freeze Over Alleged Discrimination Practices

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The Trump administration has frozen more than $100 million in federal research funding to Duke University—just days after launching a formal investigation into allegations of race-based discrimination at the school.

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At the center of the dispute is a letter sent by the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services accusing Duke of using race or identity as a factor in law journal selection, admissions, hiring, and promotions. The $108 million in frozen funds—channeled through the National Institutes of Health—specifically impact Duke’s School of Medicine.

The administration has demanded that Duke overhaul its practices, initiate staffing changes, and establish a "Merit and Civil Rights Committee" before funding can resume.

🧠 The Bigger Trend: Academia Under the Microscope

This move marks the latest in a wave of federal crackdowns on universities over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. Other elite institutions have faced similar scrutiny:

• Harvard has had $3 billion in federal funding put on hold and is currently battling the decision in court.

• Columbia University recently saw a $400 million freeze lifted—but only after agreeing to a hefty $200 million penalty and making sweeping policy changes.

The administration’s approach is drawing sharp lines in higher education: supporters say it’s a push for fairness and merit-based evaluation, while critics see it as a targeted campaign against DEI programs.

Duke University has not yet issued a public response.

📝 Duke is the latest university to see federal funding frozen—$108 million this time—as the Trump administration probes race-based practices in admissions and hiring. Other top schools have faced similar action, and legal battles are just beginning.