Arkansas Resolves Race-Based Scholarships Investigation

Central Arkansas University (CAU) has reached a resolution with the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) concerning an investigation into its race-based scholarship programs. The investigation, initiated in response to a complaint, focused on whether the university's scholarship criteria violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs receiving federal financial assistance. The resolution, announced on September 9, 2026, requires CAU to cease offering scholarships that are designated for students of a particular race or ethnicity. This agreement marks the conclusion of a process that began with the OCR's review of the university's financial aid and admissions policies.

As part of the resolution, Central Arkansas University has committed to discontinuing all scholarships that explicitly use race or ethnicity as a primary eligibility factor. This includes scholarships previously awarded based on racial or ethnic background. The university will also be required to review and revise its scholarship policies and procedures to ensure compliance with federal non-discrimination laws. The OCR's investigation aimed to determine if CAU's practices were in line with federal regulations, particularly concerning the equitable distribution of educational opportunities. The resolution signifies the university's agreement to modify its practices to align with these federal mandates.

Furthermore, Central Arkansas University will implement new policies and training programs for its staff involved in scholarship administration and financial aid. These measures are designed to prevent future occurrences of race-based scholarship designations and to promote a more inclusive approach to financial assistance. The university has agreed to provide the OCR with regular reports on its progress in implementing these changes. The resolution does not involve any admission of wrongdoing by the university but represents a cooperative effort to address the concerns raised during the investigation. The OCR's role in such investigations is to ensure that educational institutions receiving federal funds uphold civil rights protections for all students.

The investigation into Central Arkansas University's scholarship practices is part of a broader effort by the Department of Education to monitor and enforce civil rights compliance across higher education institutions nationwide. The resolution underscores the importance of equitable access to educational resources and financial aid, irrespective of a student's racial or ethnic background. By agreeing to end race-based scholarships, CAU is aligning its financial aid practices with federal legal standards that prohibit such classifications. This outcome is expected to influence how other institutions review their own scholarship programs to ensure they are compliant with Title VI. The OCR will continue to oversee the university's adherence to the terms of the resolution for a specified period.