UNLV professor linked to Trump’s DEI initiative investigation

Patricia Navarro-Velez, a UNLV professor killed in a mass shooting in December 2023, has been named in a federal investigation into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. This investigation is part of the Trump administration's efforts to eliminate DEI initiatives in education. The Department of Education is examining 45 colleges, including UNLV, for potential violations of the 1964 Civil Rights Act related to their involvement with The PhD Project. The project aims to recruit a diverse talent pool for doctoral programs. The Education Department claims that the project engages in "race-exclusionary practices" by limiting eligibility based on race. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon emphasized the commitment to protect students from discrimination based on race.