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MIT program targeted by conservative law group changes inclusionary language

After extensive media coverage, MIT changed the wording on its website on who is allowed to participate in a program tailored for women of color on campus.

Charles Krupa / AP, File

May 22, 2024

1 minute to read

After a conservative legal organization lodged a federal civil rights complaint against a program tailored for women of color at MIT on Monday, arguing that it unlawfully keeps white students from participating, the organization’s website was updated to reflect otherwise.

After the complaint and related media coverage, MIT added the following statement to the Creative Regal Women of kNowledge or CRWN homepage: “While our program is designed to support and celebrate undergraduate women of Color, participation is open to all students regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, and national origin.”

The civil rights complaint was filed against the university with the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.

The suit was brought forward by The Equal Protection Project, a Rhode Island-based nonprofit. The organization argues that the MIT program, which was listed for only women of color, is discriminating based on race, color, and sex, in violation of Title VI and Title IX.

“MIT changing the program language after the Complaint is tantamount to an admission of wrongdoing,” said foundation President William A. Jacobson in a statement to Boston.com. “MIT should publicly apologize, not quietly change website language.”

According to its website, CRWN serves undergraduate women of color and minoritized ethnicities. Students in their second year and above can participate and remain until graduation.

The group advertises access to financial assistance for academic and professional development, participation in group mentoring, and access to social outings, retreats, dinners, and events.

Despite the word change, Jacobson believes that MIT should develop a remedial plan to make the program available to all students regardless of race and sex, including expanding the program to open up additional spots.

MIT did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Equal Protection Project, launched last year, is part of the Legal Insurrection Foundation, which advertises itself as being devoted to the fair treatment of all persons regardless of race or ethnicity.

“This is a victory not just for the Equal Protection Project, but also for students and the goal of equality in educational opportunity,” Jacobson said in a statement.