BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Two dozen scholarships at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) are under legal scrutiny following a complaint filed by an out-of-state group, raising concerns about the eligibility criteria for these awards.
The Equal Protection Project, a legal advocacy group, filed the complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Civil Rights Office, arguing that certain scholarships at BGSU discriminate based on race, gender, or ethnicity. The group contends that these scholarships, which include preferences for individuals from historically underrepresented minority groups, should be open to all students regardless of these factors.
“We’re not opposed to these scholarships at all, in fact, we want students to receive the funding. However, they should be accessible to everyone, irrespective of race, nationality, or gender,” said William Jacobson, the founder of the Equal Protection Project. “The argument that we need to discriminate because of past discrimination is not only legally unsound, but it also perpetuates harmful stereotypes.”
Among the scholarships at issue is the Mary M. Edmunds scholarship, which gives preference to members of historically underrepresented minority groups. Jacobson’s group argues that such eligibility criteria are in violation of equal protection principles, which require that all individuals have equal access to opportunities without discrimination.
BGSU, in response, emphasized its commitment to complying with all applicable federal and state laws, as well as ongoing efforts to adapt to rapidly changing regulations surrounding higher education funding. The university issued a statement saying, “While we have not yet received communication from the Department of Education regarding this complaint, we remain dedicated to ensuring all students have access to a high-quality, affordable education and the support needed to successfully earn their degrees.”
The legal complaint, which was filed on Tuesday, is not a lawsuit. Jacobson clarified that no specific individual has been denied a scholarship based on their race, gender, or ethnicity at BGSU. Instead, the group argues that the scholarships are limiting because certain students do not even bother applying due to the eligibility restrictions clearly outlined on the university’s website.
While the issue continues to unfold, it raises broader questions about the role of diversity-focused scholarships in higher education. Supporters of such programs argue that they are necessary to address historical inequalities and provide opportunities for students who may otherwise face systemic barriers to accessing education. However, critics like Jacobson maintain that all students, regardless of background, should have equal access to scholarship opportunities.
BGSU has yet to formally respond to the complaint, but the university remains focused on ensuring compliance with legal requirements while also working to provide all students with the resources needed to succeed academically. The case will likely continue to evolve as the U.S. Department of Education reviews the complaint and determines the next steps.
This legal challenge follows a broader trend, as the Equal Protection Project has raised similar concerns at approximately 90 other institutions. As higher education continues to navigate shifting legal landscapes, the balance between fostering diversity and ensuring equal opportunities for all students remains a point of contention.
As of now, BGSU is continuing to monitor the situation, working to stay in compliance with federal and state laws while also striving to offer inclusive educational opportunities for all of its students.