The colleges under scrutiny include dozens of state schools such as the University of Kansas. The U.S. Department of Education claims the schools violated civil rights laws because of programs aimed at fixing longstanding racial disparities in their graduate programs.

KU is among 45 schools under investigation for partnering with an organization that aims to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to pursue doctoral degrees.

The Department of Education says KU is one of 45 universities under investigation for partnering with a group that support minority business students.

The Department of Education announced investigations into more than 50 universities that are being investigated for alleged racial discrimination.