Feds open investigation into Louisiana Board of Regents over DEI targets

February 13, 2026 - 23:47

The U.S. Department of Education has launched a civil rights investigation into the Louisiana Board of Regents, focusing on whether the state's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives for public colleges violate federal law.

The inquiry, conducted by the Department's Office for Civil Rights, centers on specific race-conscious enrollment targets set by the Board. Federal officials are examining if these goals constitute unlawful discrimination based on race, which is prohibited under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Title VI forbids discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program receiving federal financial assistance.

The Board of Regents' master plan includes objectives to increase the proportion of Black and Hispanic undergraduates enrolled in public institutions to match the demographics of the state's high school graduates. Proponents argue these targets are aspirational and part of a broader strategy to improve access and success for historically underrepresented students. Critics, however, contend that any use of racial classifications in institutional goals is impermissible.

The investigation will determine whether these policies have resulted in discriminatory practices. The opening of this federal compliance review places Louisiana's higher education system under significant scrutiny, with potential implications for how states nationwide pursue diversity objectives within the bounds of current law. The Board of Regents has stated it will cooperate fully with the federal inquiry.