CSU system cuts ties with The PhD Project amid federal investigation into alleged race based discrimination

Following a federal investigation into alleged race based discrimination, the U.S. Department of Education announced on Feb. 19 that 31 universities already agreed to cut ties with The PhD Project, an organization that helps racial minorities earn doctorate degrees.

A press release posted on the California State University system website on Feb. 20 stated the process began in October 2025 after the presidential administration made major cuts to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs in higher education, claiming they specifically discriminated against white and Asian communities.

“On October 3, 2025, the CSU signed a Resolution Agreement with the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) of the U.S. Department of Education concerning the PhD Project. The Resolution Agreement required all 22 CSU universities to review all memberships or partnerships with external organizations to identify any memberships or partnerships with organizations that restrict participation based on race,” the press release states.

Amy Bentley-Smith, CSU director of Media Relations and Public Affairs, confirmed with El Leñador the partnership’s end with the CSU system.

“The CSU’s partnership with The PhD Project has ended,” Bentley-Smith said. “As it was used to advertise faculty positions on their job board, one of the many ways the CSU raises awareness of job opportunities to a broad applicant pool, ending the partnership does not create a gap in resources and services available to students.”

Cal Poly Humboldt’s Interim Dean of Students, Ravin Craig, said the university will remain committed to serving minority communities through the cultural center’s academic and personal resources.

“The Ph.D. Project partnership ending doesn’t impact resources for Cal Poly Humboldt students,” Craig said. “We will continue to support all students in their path to excellence. The diversity of Cal Poly Humboldt is essential to the strength of our community.”

Ryder Dschida, CPH professor and president of the California Faculty Association Humboldt chapter, reflects on the message this sends to students of color.

“I am frustrated with the CSU’s apparent kowtowing to the current federal executive regime,” Dschida said. “I understand the reasons why, which are mainly to do with money and avoiding attention, but it sends a message to our students, especially our students of color, that the CSU is willing to throw them under the proverbial bus rather than to take a stand for academic integrity, civil society, liberal democracy and equal opportunity for all.”

CPH social work major Andy Contreras felt disappointed that these programs are being targeted, especially ones that made college a possibility for her.

“I’m a little bit hurt and flabbergasted that the [presidential] administration can’t see the need for such a program. I know I’m a first- gen college student and just getting into any college was something that I didn’t think of for a very long time,” Contreras said. “I know programs like this are the only reason why I’m here, so I think that there needs to be a lot more just respect and recognition to the struggle that minorities face when it comes to pursuing secondary education.”