A federal complaint accuses North Central University in Minneapolis of violating the Civil Rights Act with its George Floyd Memorial Scholarship. Filed by the Legal Insurrection Foundation, the complaint alleges the scholarship discriminates based on race, breaching Title VI, which forbids racial discrimination in federally assisted programs.
"Discrimination against white applicants is just as unlawful as discrimination against black or other non-white applicants," complaint writers, civil rights attorney Ameer Benno and Cornell University law professor William Jacobson said.
Eligibility for the scholarship requires applicants to be Black or African American, excluding students of other races. The foundation argues this constitutes unlawful discrimination. Civil rights attorney Ameer Benno and law professor William Jacobson, who filed the complaint, emphasize that discrimination against any racial group is illegal.Â
North Central University has yet to respond to the allegations. The scholarship, established in 2020, aims to support the educational aspirations of young Black American leaders and is open for the 2024-25 academic year with a selection due in June.
These scholarships represent more than just financial assistance; they symbolize a commitment to breaking the cycles of oppression and providing a pathway for young Black leaders to pursue their educational aspirations despite the obstacles they may face. For many Black families who have endured generations of systemic discrimination and economic hardship, these scholarships offer a glimmer of hope and a tangible opportunity for their children to access higher education and build brighter futures.
Link: NBCNews