Arizona State University has drawn attention for DEI. Photo taken on ASU’s Tempe campus on Monday, March 17, 2024.
(Photo by Sydney Lovan/Cronkite News)
The Justice Department on June 3 announced that it would begin an investigation into Arizona State University for its diversity, equity and inclusion practices after a viral video of staff discussing admissions practices.
The school said that it is complying with federal law and does not discriminate in admissions, as it would violate not only ASU policy, but also the Arizona Board of Regents provisions.
“ASU is aware of the Department of Justice’s press release regarding an investigation and of the ‘recent viral videos’ referred to in it. The university has no comment on these videos, as ASU does not comment on secret video recordings of its employees who are not authorized to speak on behalf of the university,” a spokesperson for the university said via email on June 4.
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The Justice Department on June 3 announced that it would begin an investigation into Arizona State University for its diversity, equity and inclusion practices after a viral video of staff discussing admissions practices.
The school said that it is complying with federal law and does not discriminate in admissions, as it would violate not only ASU policy, but also the Arizona Board of Regents provisions.
“ASU is aware of the Department of Justice’s press release regarding an investigation and of the ‘recent viral videos’ referred to in it. The university has no comment on these videos, as ASU does not comment on secret video recordings of its employees who are not authorized to speak on behalf of the university,” a spokesperson for the university said via email on June 4.
Federal officials claim the university has hidden illegal admissions practices that have led to discrimination.
“No student should be denied access to opportunities or resources because of race, color or national origin,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The United States is committed to keeping universities free of unlawful discrimination — especially when they try to hide illegal conduct to avoid oversight and compliance,” the DOJ published in a statement on June 3.
ASU has over 150,000 students across numerous campuses and online enrollment.
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Madeline Bates joined Independent Newsmedia in 2025 as a Phoenix/Tempe reporter. Before graduating college, she spent a semester in Washington as a Congressional reporter in the first 100 days of the second Trump administration. But local news is where her heart is. She is excited to be in Phoenix full time and exploring new parts of the city (as long as they have AC).
Community: After living in East Phoenix for two years, she fell in love with Paradise Valley, Mesa, Tempe, and everywhere in between. She recently discovered the beauty of the South Mountain Reserve and hopes to continue exploring should the weather comply.
Education: Madeline has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and a certificate in Political History and Leadership.
Random Fact: She is a self-taught nail tech. No, she cannot do your nails.
Hobbies: Hiking (when its not 100 degrees), fiction writing, cooking, baking and trying new coffee shops.
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