The Biden-Harris administration is being sued over an “unconstitutional” and “discriminatory” U.S. Department of Education program that deems certain students “ineligible” to participate due to their race.
“I worked hard to get this far in my undergraduate program with a resume fit for graduate school. That is why being told I could not qualify for the McNair program because I am white was difficult to hear,” said Durfee, who has not and will not apply so long as the racial requirement remains in effect. “This sends the wrong message to young Americans everywhere.”
Rothove, a University of Wisconsin-Madison student and a YAF member, is eligible, too, except he’s also white.
“I was excited when I learned about the McNair Program because I thought it would be a great way to help me get into graduate school,” Rothove recalled. “But when I realized that I did not qualify because of my race it was devastating,” he pivoted. “This is the 21st Century — why are we continuing to separate and divide students?”
“Denying a student the chance to compete for a scholarship based on their skin color is not only discriminatory but also demeaning and unconstitutional,” remarked former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, president of YAF. “At YAF, we proudly defend our students’ right to be judged on their merit and abilities, not on race.”
Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL), a conservative non-profit law firm, is representing the complainants.