UNC settles Trump administration probes

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) has reached an agreement with the Trump administration to close 19 federal investigations into the school over alleged concerns of antisemitism and race discrimination.

In the deal, UNC admits to no wrongdoing and pays no money to the administration but agrees to standards the Trump administration wanted for its admissions process, handling of antisemitism on campus and protest policies.

“The Trump Administration is holding schools accountable for antisemitism at American universities and ensuring that institutions, which have no problem accessing generous taxpayer support, follow all federal laws and ensure safe learning environments,” said Assistant Secretary Kimberly Richey of the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights.

“Because of today’s agreement with UNC, aspiring students will be assessed based solely on their merit — not race — and Jewish students can thrive without the threat of antisemitic discrimination,” she added.

The school agreed to not consider racial diversity in its admissions or use policies “as a means of preferring applicants for admission on the basis of race or other Protected Characteristic.”

The university will establish a Title VI coordinator position focused on combating antisemitism on campus.

It must also prohibit face masks, and those who do have a face mask on must present identification when asked by a university official, a clause the Trump administration has sought in its deals with universities after pro-Palestinian protests.

In exchange, federal investigations into UNC are closed and the institution remains eligible for future federal funding. The contract expires December 2028.

UNC is the latest school to reach a deal with the Trump administration, which has consistently threatened federal funding in order to gain compliance.

“This announcement reinforces our commitment to the fair and equal treatment of everyone at Carolina,” said UNC Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. “For at least a decade, through different presidential administrations, U.S. universities have faced heightened public scrutiny across a range of issues. We’re proud to resolve those issues at Carolina in a way that protects our mission and affirms the civil rights of everyone in our community.”