A federal complaint has been filed against the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship at North Central University in Minneapolis, Minnesota, accusing it of violating the Civil Rights Act. The Legal Insurrection Foundation, a conservative nonprofit dedicated to advancing free expression and academic freedom on campuses, lodged the complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights on Monday.

According to the foundation, the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in programs and activities that receive federal financial assistance.

The George Floyd Memorial Scholarship, created in 2020, aims to contribute to the educational opportunities of young black American leaders. However, the scholarship's eligibility criteria require applicants to be Black or African American, excluding individuals who do not meet this racial category.

The complaint, drafted by civil rights attorney Ameer Benno and Cornell University law professor William Jacobson, asserts that "discrimination against white applicants is just as unlawful as discrimination against black or other non-white applicants." The complainants argue that North Central University is violating Title VI by promoting and sponsoring the scholarship.

The university's news release stated that the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship is still accepting applications for the 2024-25 academic year, with the recipient to be selected by June.

The complaint highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding affirmative action and equal opportunity in higher education. It raises questions about whether race-based scholarships comply with federal regulations and whether they inadvertently perpetuate discrimination.

The U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights will now review the complaint and decide whether there are grounds for further action. As the case unfolds, it could potentially impact the future of race-based scholarships and their compliance with civil rights legislation.

Scholarship programs that aim to support underrepresented communities while adhering to federal anti-discrimination laws will continue to be a topic of debate, as society seeks equitable and inclusive educational opportunities.