Minnesota’s North Central University is facing a lawsuit. The lawsuit claims that the George Floyd Memorial Scholarship for young Black students breaches anti-discrimination statutes.
A legal complaint has been filed with the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights. The complaint contends that the scholarship violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Title VI forbids deliberate discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in any federally financed program or activity.
The complaint alleges that the Minnesota public university is discriminating against non-Black pupils. This includes those who identify as white, Hispanic, or Asian who are not being considered for the award.
“Regardless of NCU’s reasons for sponsoring and promoting the (scholarship), it is violating Title VI by doing so,” the complaint said. North Central University did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment Thursday.
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The deadline for applying for the 2024-25 school year scholarship is May 5. The recipient will be chosen by June 7. Students who live on campus can renew their funds for four years.
Among the application requirements is that the applicant must “be a student who is Black or African American, that is, a person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.”
In addition, students must submit an essay and two letters of recommendation from community members. They must also exhibit leadership qualities.
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The award is named after George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man slain in Minneapolis by Derek Chauvin, a white police officer. Despite Floyd’s pleas that he could not breathe, Chauvin held his knee to his throat. On June 4, North Central University President Scott Hagan announced the scholarship at Floyd’s memorial service in Minneapolis.
“It is time to invest like never before in a new generation of young black Americans who are poised and ready to take leadership in our nation. So, university presidents, let’s step up together,” Hagan said, according to a 2020 news release.
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One user commented, “I have zero problem with scholarships created for disadvantaged black students; there are all kinds of scholarships out there. The Bigger question here may be this: Why the hell is there a scholarship named after a career CRIMINAL!!!?”
Another added, “There is or was a full body cam video on the “Tube” of the arrest… IF it’s still up it’s called “The Fall of Minneapolis.”
It’s very clear this criminal resisted arrest, was higher than a kite… even had fake crying from the mayor…. The firestorm from the media made sure that the officers involved were gonna swing…. in other words, railroaded to the max!!!”
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