By Kaylon Coleman

Cal Poly Humboldt is among 52 other universities nationwide who have had Title VI investigations launched by the United States Department of Education for allegedly allowing race-based discrimination on campus. Filed on March 14, this investigation into Cal Poly Humboldt derived from a complaint filed by a Cal Poly Humboldt student, along with Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law and the nonprofit Jewish on Campus claiming that Cal Poly Humboldt failed in their responsibility to protect Jewish students on campus post Oct. 7, 2023, leading them to be assaulted, harassed and subjected to antisemitism. The complaint cited different instances, including a person throwing a red liquid on Jewish students as well as verbal harassment during a club tabling event.

On March 18, another investigation was launched against Cal Poly Humboldt, along with 44 other universities, for alleged violations of Title VI once again. This time, the Department of Education accused Cal Poly Humboldt of discrimination by partnering with The Ph.D. Project, a non-profit program established to better help Black and Latino doctoral students of color pursue different opportunities and degrees.

While Cal Poly Humboldt is a predominantly white institution, it is also a Hispanic Serving Institution, with an almost 30% population as of Fall 2024. The funding cuts administered by the Trump administration to abolish diversity, equity and inclusion on college campuses put programs and cultural centers at risk. These investigations are amongst the first steps taken by the administration to dismantle DEI initiatives throughout not only California, but the country. 

The day before these investigations were put into place, Associate Vice President and Campus Diversity Officer Rosamel S. Benavides-Garb gave his take on Trump’s policies against DEI and why the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion exists in the first place.

“We serve all members of our community regardless of color or race or religion or national origin. We also serve in making sure that there is access and opportunity,” Benavides-Garb said. “The role of our office is to make sure that this is happening, to make sure that we support, to make sure that we create capacity to deliver that mission — support all members of your community so they can move forward, so they can be successful.”

In a press release statement given by Secretary of Education Linda McMahon on behalf of the U.S. Department of Education, McMahon expressed that these Title VI investigations were made with the intention to bring back equal opportunity to students.

  “Students must be assessed according to merit and accomplishment, not prejudged by the color of their skin,” McMahon said. “We will not yield on this commitment.”

In February, Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education Craig Trainor issued a “Dear Colleague” letter — a form to disseminate information, solicit support, or offer guidance on specific issues — stating that schools K-12, along with universities nationwide, will potentially have federal funding pulled if they consider race in any way when it comes to applications, opportunities and more.

DEI has been a big contention point in politics as of late, with Trump signing executive orders within his first week of office attacking DEI programs and initiatives. With many on the right, including Trump and those in his office, claiming that the premise of DEI is unfair, racist, and unnecessary.

DEI was initially established due to marginalized communities not having the same access to resources and opportunities as others who are white, male, straight, or in other privileged groups. This could mean something as simple as making sure a building is accessible to those who may not be able-bodied, to non-discriminatory workplace practices when someone comes in with a hairstyle that better resembles their culture and identity.

Republicans have argued that DEI is discriminatory in that it uses race as a factor in determining scholarship applicants, access to select opportunities and more. Benavides-Garb expressed that Cal Poly Humboldt’s DEI initiatives promote inclusivity and operate within the confines of Proposition 209 which prohibits the University of California system and other state entities from using race, ethnicity or sex as criteria in public employment, public contracting and public education.

“For the last 30 years, no institution in California has been discriminating. So, to have these executive orders say that DEI is discriminating because we’re doing nondiscrimination work is paradoxical,” Benavides-Garb said. “The administration has been attempting to criminalize DEI work by saying that it’s ‘illegal’ DEI work. There’s nothing illegal in the work you do because we support, we open the door, the gates, create opportunities, close the gap. We create equity.”

On March 25, Interim President Michael Spagna issued an email response to the Title VI investigations.

“We take these allegations seriously, and we want to assure you that we are working closely with the California State University (CSU) system to address them,” the email read. “We will also fully cooperate with the Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights during their investigation. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the CSU [system] provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. All university programs and activities are open to all.”

When asked about the importance of educating people about DEI now more than ever, Benavides-Garb stated how it has always been important to educate folks on the importance of DEI and how they’re using this difficult time as an opportunity to educate.

“It’s more important than ever that our community understands the role that DEI offices play and the humble and silent role that we have been playing for many years,” Benavides-Garb said. “We’re taking this opportunity to have conversations with all members of our community about what DEI is and the work we do. So, in many ways, we’re leveraging this moment of harm.”

Kaylon Coleman is a junior journalism major with a concentration in news and a minor in Communications. He is the Social Media Assistant Manager for LJ. He is also the president of the Black Student Union at Cal Poly Humboldt, social media coordinator for the Umoja Center, and a part-time radio DJ.