The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is currently facing a lawsuit over a student program designed specifically for female students of color.
The Legal Insurrection Foundation has filed a complaint with the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, claiming that the program discriminates against other student groups based on race and gender.
Details of the Contested Program
According to MIT’s official website, the program in question is “designed for undergraduate women of color which includes Black, Indigenous, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islanders, and other minoritized ethnicities.”
The initiative aims to offer professional development and mentoring to women in these groups starting from their sophomore year.
Accusations of Discrimination Based on Race and Gender
The president of the Legal Insurrection Foundation, William Jacobson, has strongly criticized the program, stating it “engages in invidious discrimination on the basis of race, color and sex.”
He highlighted that eligibility for the program is restricted exclusively to undergraduate “women of color.”
Criteria for Program Eligibility Detailed
Jacobson explained further that “Only undergraduate ‘women of color’ can participate in the program.
Applicants who fall outside of those race- and sex-based categories are ineligible for it,” thereby enforcing a selective inclusion policy that he believes many would find controversial.
Foundation’s Argument Against the Program
Jacobson argues that “any reasonable person would understand that all students are not welcome to participate,” which contravenes guidance from the Office for Civil Rights.
His foundation’s complaint is seeking to challenge these criteria, advocating for a more inclusive approach.
Benefits Offered by the Program
The program provides a range of benefits, including networking opportunities, mentorship, access to social outings, retreats, dinners, and other fun events.
It also offers financial support of up to $400 for expenses related to graduate school applications, travel, and professional attire among other purposes.
Application Requirements Raise Concerns
The application form for the program requests applicants to specify their race, gender identity, and if they identify as transgender, with eligibility extended to trans and non-binary women.
This criteria for application has been a significant part of the foundation’s complaint.
Legal Relief Sought Through Complaint
The complaint formally requests the Office for Civil Rights to “impose remedial relief as the law permits for the benefit of those who have been illegally excluded” from the program.
The foundation is pushing for actions that would rectify what they perceive as unlawful exclusion.
Foundation’s Stance on Discrimination
Jacobson has emphasized, “Regardless of the purpose of the discrimination, it is wrong and unlawful.”
He criticizes the program for potentially injecting “more racism and sexism into the educational system through discriminatory university programs.”
Critique of Institutional Practices at MIT
“It is sad and disheartening to see that institutions like MIT that receive federal funding are re-segregating the student body through exclusionary programs,” Jacobson noted.
He expressed his disappointment over the current state of affairs in such a prestigious educational institution.
Background of the Legal Insurrection Foundation
Jacobson emailed the complaint as part of the foundation’s Equal Protection Project, which claims it “opposes racial discrimination in any form.”
Notably, the foundation typically challenges university programs or scholarships that are specifically aimed at minorities or female students.
About William Jacobson
Jacobson, a clinical professor of law and director of the Securities Law Clinic at Cornell Law School, has been a vocal critic of race-based policies in educational settings.
He has previously faced backlash from students who disagreed with his criticism of movements such as Black Lives Matter.
