The U.S. Department of Justice opened investigations into City University of New York’s student success programming, alleging the system’s Black Male Initiative violates civil-rights law. DOJ said it received reports that CUNY provides “educational benefits to minorities, particularly black males, on the basis of race” through mentoring, counseling, tutoring, and workshops. DOJ characterized the initiative as potentially violating Title VI, which bans federally funded institutions from discriminating based on race, color, or national origin. CUNY’s initiative spans 24 campuses and is described by the university as race-and other-characteristic-neutral in eligibility messaging. The investigation aligns with a broader federal pattern: DOJ has recently announced over a dozen civil-rights probes, including investigations into medical school admissions practices and diversity work across other campuses. Whether CUNY’s BMI is ultimately found unlawful could affect how peer mentorship, tutoring, and retention efforts are designed and marketed—especially for programs aimed at improving outcomes for students from historically underrepresented groups.