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Clemson faces scrutiny as it alters programs under civil rights lens

Stories by The State journalists, with AI summarization

The curated articles examine the scrutiny faced by Clemson University. It has modified or ended programs in response to concerns from conservative leaders in South Carolina, as well as the federal government. They focus on Clemson's actions and federal investigations into allegations of civil rights violations and use of programs serving minority communities. Clemson eliminated diversity-focused groups and programs following pressure and ongoing probes.

The university stopped a DEI-related requirement in a chemical engineering class after criticism from Republican politicians. Clemson disbanded several support commissions developed for marginalized communities. The university's partnership with The Ph.D. Project has also been a point of contention, leading to allegations of discriminatory practices in violation of federal law.

A water tower on State Highway 123 in Seneca entering the North end of Clemson University is branded with a logo, and trademark tiger paw. By Ken Ruinard / staff

NO. 1: CLEMSON WORKED TO SUPPORT BIPOC PHD CANDIDATES. NOW IT’S ACCUSED OF CIVIL RIGHT VIOLATIONS

Clemson is under investigation for alleged civil rights violations, the Department of Education announced. It allegedly violated Title VI by partnering with a nonprofit that supports underrepresented students in Ph.D. programs. | Published March 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alexa Jurado

Clemson University has the smallest percentage of black students among the state’s public schools. Recently there have been calls to rename Tillman Hall, pictured, and improve race relations at the school. By Gerry Melendez

NO. 2: CLEMSON DISSOLVES BIPOC, LGBTQ+ GROUPS AMID CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATION

Clemson University eliminated groups created to support the school’s Black, LGBTQ+ and veteran communities, among others, the Upstate university announced last fall. | Published September 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Alexa Jurado

A water tower on State Highway 123 in Seneca entering the North end of Clemson University is branded with a logo, and trademark tiger paw. By Ken Ruinard / staff

NO. 3: CLEMSON REMOVES DEI REFERENCE IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING CLASS AFTER GOP BACKLASH

Clemson University removed a “DEI” reference in the syllabus of a chemical engineering class after it was brought to the school’s attention by GOP leaders. | Published September 10, 2025 | Read Full Story by Joseph Bustos

A plaque on the corner of Clemson University’s campus

NO. 4: CLEMSON AGREED TO CUT PROGRAM SERVING STUDENTS OF COLOR AMID CIVIL RIGHTS PROBE

Clemson is one of more than two dozen schools that agreed to end a partnership with an organization supporting minority Ph.D. students. | Published February 20, 2026 | Read Full Story by Alexa Jurado

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.