The U.S. Department of Justice opened a civil-rights investigation into Arizona State University over allegations that the university’s diversity, equity and inclusion work may violate federal law. According to DOJ, the inquiry will examine ASU policies tied to admissions, recruitment, scholarships, tutoring, and other educational support to determine whether the public university “subjects its students to illegal discrimination” under Title VI, which bars federally funded institutions from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin. DOJ linked the investigation to “recent viral videos” alleging ASU denied equal treatment to students based on race, color, or national origin, and to claims that university employees sought to conceal practices from federal oversight. ASU’s system-level references to diversity and affirmative action were removed last June, but Arizona has not enacted a statewide DEI ban. The probe reflects a wider federal posture toward compliance in higher education as institutions adapt to shifting state restrictions and heightened scrutiny around admissions and student-support practices.