Background

Cornell Law professor William A. Jacobson, founder of the Equal Protection Project, has taken a significant step by filing a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s civil rights office. The complaint accuses the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) of operating over a dozen scholarship programs that allegedly restrict eligibility based on race, sex, or national origin.

Details of the Complaint

The filed complaint specifically names 13 scholarship programs, highlighting awards that are limited to categories such as “LatinX” freshmen, “Pilipinx” students, “undocumented undergraduates,” and awards intended exclusively for female applicants. Jacobson’s filing contends that such eligibility criteria violate Title VI and Title IX of federal civil rights law, which prohibit discrimination within federally funded educational institutions.

Reactions from Jacobson

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Jacobson expressed his shock at the existence of race- and sex-based scholarships at a prestigious public university like UCLA. “UCLA should know better than to run scholarships or programs that treat students differently based on race, color, national origin, or sex,” he stated, emphasizing the university’s responsibility to adhere to federal non-discrimination laws.

Specific Scholarship Programs in Question

The complaint enumerates several specific scholarship programs, including:

• The UCLA Latino Alumni Association Scholarship, aimed at “incoming LatinX freshmen and transfer students.”
• The Pilipino Alumni Association Award, which targets students who self-identify as part of the Pilipinx community.
• The Undocumented Alumni Association Scholarship, limited to undocumented students.
• The Raza Women’s Alumni Scholarship, which prioritizes “incoming Latina freshmen and transfer students.”

Governor Newsom’s Stance

The use of the term “LatinX” in UCLA’s scholarship eligibility criteria raises eyebrows, especially in light of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s earlier remarks stating that “no one says Latinx.” Despite this disavowal, UCLA continues to use “LatinX” as an official designation in its taxpayer-funded scholarship offerings, prompting questions about institutional consistency and adherence to public sentiment.

Additional Scholarship Programs Under Scrutiny

Beyond the highlighted scholarships, the complaint also references additional awards aimed at specific demographic groups, including scholarships designated for students of Armenian descent and a Deloitte Foundation scholarship aimed at “meritorious female students.” The overarching argument is that UCLA’s criteria based on race or sex create an illegal framework that contravenes both federal law and the university’s own non-discrimination policies.

Call for Investigation

Jacobson’s complaint calls for federal authorities to investigate UCLA’s scholarship programs and potentially suspend the university’s federal funding until these discriminatory practices are amended. This move highlights the growing scrutiny on higher education institutions regarding their funding practices and policies.

UCLA’s Defense of Its Practices

In response to these allegations, UCLA’s scholarship portal asserts that the university administers all identity-conscious financial aid and scholarships in compliance with relevant federal, state, and university regulations. The statement clarifies that identity-conscious awards may incorporate preferences for various identities, including race, sex, gender identity, and ethnicity. The university asserts that their application process does not alter a student’s eligibility but rather determines how financial aid is allocated.

Legal Implications

Jacobson maintains that UCLA’s policies cross a legal threshold. He argues that creating educational opportunities or financial assistance based on race, color, national origin, or sex is a violation of the Civil Rights Act’s Titles VI and IX. “It’s time for higher education to focus on the inherent worth of every student rather than categorizing them by identity groups,” he remarked, calling for a reconsideration of how educational opportunities are structured.

Next Steps in the Legal Process

The complaint, officially filed on November 7, 2025, requests that the U.S. Department of Education initiates a formal investigation into UCLA’s practices and enforces strict compliance with federal law. As of now, UCLA and Governor Newsom’s office have not provided comments in response to inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding this matter.