Trump Administration Reaches Settlement with UNC

The Trump administration concluded a settlement with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, resolving 18 active federal investigations and a separate Justice Department compliance review relating to alleged antisemitism and racial discrimination at the institution.

This voluntary agreement carries no financial penalties, and UNC does not admit to any misconduct. The settlement remains effective until the end of 2028, allowing the university to maintain its federal funding eligibility.

As part of the agreement, UNC will appoint an internal ‘Merit & Civil Rights Administrator’ and establish a ‘Title VI Coordinator’ within its compliance office to address complaints regarding antisemitism and racial discrimination. Elizabeth Hall, the associate vice chancellor for university compliance, will assume both roles alongside her current responsibilities. She will act as the point of contact for the Justice Department and manage UNC’s reporting duties.

Chancellor Lee H. Roberts issued a statement underscoring UNC’s dedication to fair and equal treatment, expressing pride in resolving these issues in a manner that safeguards the university’s mission and reaffirms the civil rights of the community.

The agreement mandates compulsory antisemitism training for students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, UNC will restrict the use of face masks to conceal identities, with certain exceptions, and student groups may face discipline for antisemitic behavior.

Moreover, the Justice Department’s settlement requires UNC to implement a ‘color-blind admissions system,’ forbidding the use of race in altering the admissions process. However, UNC may consider how applicants have overcome personal adversity and aspects of family background, such as poverty, as long as those considerations are applied consistently.

Under the agreement, UNC must adopt race-blind policies for student benefits, scholarships, financial aid, and programming. Any complaints concerning antisemitism and racial discrimination will be submitted to the DOJ and the Department of Education quarterly.

This resolution leads to the closure of 18 active investigations by the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, along with the cessation of a separate 18-month compliance review by the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division initiated in April 2025. Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon emphasized the importance of equal treatment for all students under federally funded institutions, and she praised UNC’s cooperation with federal law requirements.

The Supreme Court’s rejection of affirmative action in 2023, impacting colleges such as UNC and Harvard, contributed to shaping discussions on race-based programs in higher education. The federal administration has engaged with various universities nationwide regarding protests, diversity initiatives, and other policies, resulting in settlements with institutions like Columbia University and Brown University, while Harvard remains in negotiation.

The settlement illustrates a broader federal strategy targeting university practices perceived as favoritism toward certain racial groups or as fostering intolerance.