Federal Freeze: Trump Administration Targets Duke University Over Racial Accusations

The Trump administration has decided to freeze USD 108 million in research funding to Duke University. This action stems from allegations of racial discrimination linked to affirmative action practices at the institution, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The National Institutes of Health has suspended this funding amid claims of racial preferences in Duke's hiring and admissions processes. The freeze follows a joint letter from the Departments of Health and Human Services and Education, which accused Duke of implementing unlawful diversity policies. The university is the latest in a series of investigations alongside schools such as Harvard and Columbia.

In response to the allegations, officials have demanded Duke terminate any racial preference practices and proposed forming a government-approved Merit and Civil Rights Committee to ensure compliance. This move is part of a broader campaign to dismantle DEI initiatives across universities that align with the administration's policy views.

(With inputs from agencies.)