‘No fine, no admission of wrongdoing’: University of North Carolina strikes deal with Trump to end 18 probes

The administration of US President Donald Trump has reached a settlement with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) to close 18 federal investigations into alleged race discrimination and antisemitism at the university. The voluntary agreement does not require any monetary payment, and UNC has not admitted to wrongdoing or liability.The deal, which remains in effect until the end of 2028, allows the university to retain its eligibility for federal funding. It comes amid the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on universities over pro-Palestinian protests against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, diversity initiatives, transgender policies and climate programmes.Unc to introduce mandatory antisemitism trainingUnder the agreement, UNC will appoint an internal administrator and establish a coordinator position within its compliance office to address discrimination, including antisemitism. The university has appointed Elizabeth Hall, associate vice chancellor for university compliance, to fill both roles. She will also serve as the point of contact for the Justice Department and oversee the university’s reporting obligations.The settlement requires mandatory antisemitism training for students, faculty and staff. It also prohibits face masks or coverings that conceal an individual’s identity during protests and states that student groups may face disciplinary action for antisemitic discriminatory conduct.Trump has accused pro-Palestinian protesters of antisemitism and supporting extremism. However, protesters, including some Jewish groups, have argued that opposition to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and its military campaign in Gaza is not inherently antisemitic, and that advocating for Palestinian rights does not amount to supporting extremism.UNC will also be required to submit complaints involving antisemitism and race discrimination to the US Justice and Education departments every quarter.Unc must maintain non-discriminatory admissions policiesThe agreement requires UNC to maintain non-discriminatory admissions policies and prohibits the use of racial proxies. However, the university can consider how applicants have overcome personal adversity and take into account aspects of their family backgrounds, such as poverty, provided these factors are applied consistently.The settlement follows the US Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to strike down race-conscious admissions programmes at Harvard University and UNC, effectively ending the use of affirmative action in college admissions.Other universities have also reached settlements with the administration. Columbia University agreed last year to pay more than $200 million to resolve federal investigations, while Brown University agreed to pay $50 million to support local workforce development. Harvard University has yet to reach a settlement.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.