Indiana Lawyer Investigates Notre Dame’s Diversity Policies

News Summary

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is probing the University of Notre Dame regarding its diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. The inquiry raises concerns about potential violations of state and federal discrimination laws, which could threaten the university’s nonprofit status. This investigation is the second in 2025, following scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Education. Notre Dame faces a June 9 deadline to respond to the inquiry, and its stance on diversity has sparked internal and external debate about maintaining its Catholic identity.

Indiana Attorney General Probes University of Notre Dame Over Diversity Policies

The University of Notre Dame finds itself in the crosshairs of Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, who has issued a demand for detailed information about the institution’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices. This inquiry comes amid growing concerns that Notre Dame’s policies could violate both state and federal discrimination laws, potentially endangering its nonprofit status. The letter from the Attorney General comes as a significant threat, invoking the possibility of legal repercussions for the university if it fails to comply.

Second Scrutiny in 2025

This is the second instance in 2025 where Notre Dame’s DEI efforts have come under scrutiny. Back in March, the U.S. Department of Education highlighted the university as one of fifty institutions allegedly using racial preferences in their educational programming. If the investigation concludes that the university has breached the law, it risks losing federal funding, which could have far-reaching implications for its operations.

Rokita’s Allegations

In the letter, Rokita claims that Notre Dame’s strategic frameworks indicate potentially discriminatory practices, notably differential treatment based on race or ethnicity. He points to the university’s initiatives aimed at bolstering the representation of “underrepresented” students and faculty members, as well as separate multicultural recognition ceremonies for graduates, as examples of divisive practices. Rokita’s assertions are further substantiated by the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the case of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which imposed new limitations on race-based admissions policies.

Concerns Over Compliance with Anti-Discrimination Laws

With the backdrop of heightened scrutiny, Rokita has expressed specific concerns regarding whether Notre Dame’s DEI policies infringe upon Indiana’s anti-discrimination laws, as well as federal regulations. The Attorney General’s demand for documentation is comprehensive, seeking clarity on the university’s admissions and hiring protocols, modifications following the Supreme Court’s decision, and the role race plays in recruiting and enrollment processes.

Deadline for Compliance

Notre Dame has been given a deadline of June 9, 2025, to respond to Rokita’s inquiry. Failure to comply with this request could lead to significant legal action against the institution, a move likely to stir further controversy and debate about the university’s practices.

University’s Stance on Diversity

Notre Dame has consistently asserted its commitment to non-discriminatory practices in hiring and admissions. The university emphasizes that it aims to maintain a balance in its recruitment efforts, valuing the hiring of women and minorities as essential to its mission alongside recruiting Catholics. However, this stance has faced backlash from certain alumni groups and critics who argue that the emphasis on diversity may dilute the university’s Catholic identity.

Faculty Divisions and Support

While some faculty members have defended the university’s hiring strategies as necessary for reflecting the diverse demographic of the global Catholic Church, dissenting voices within the community argue that maintaining a majority of Catholic faculty is paramount to upholding the university’s mission and religious identity. This internal struggle highlights the ongoing tension as Notre Dame navigates the complexities of modern DEI initiatives while striving to preserve its foundational values.

Context of Federal Actions

This inquiry by the Indiana Attorney General is part of a broader national trend, as several universities face challenges regarding their DEI programs. Rokita’s request for specific documents related to Notre Dame’s approach to inclusivity in hiring and admissions adds to the mounting pressure on educational institutions to adhere strictly to anti-discrimination laws.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Notre Dame to see how it responds to this inquiry and whether it can navigate the contentious landscape of diversity policies while maintaining its identity as a leading Catholic institution.