A civil rights complaint has been filed against Stanford University over a diversity-focused teaching program, raising questions about compliance with federal policy changes enacted under President Donald Trump. The complaint, submitted by the advocacy group Defending Education, alleges the program unlawfully restricts participation based on race.

At issue is Stanford’s “BIPOC” teaching cohort, a program designed to support educators pursuing National Board Certification, a widely recognized credential in primary and secondary education that can lead to higher pay and career advancement. The initiative is run in partnership with the California Teachers Association and the UCLA National Board Project.

According to the complaint, eligibility for the program is limited to individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color, excluding applicants who do not meet that criteria. The program also aims to assemble a cohort with a balance of racial and ethnic backgrounds, geographic representation, and teaching disciplines.

Defending Education argues that these requirements violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by making access to professional advancement dependent on race rather than merit. The group has asked the U.S. Department of Education to investigate the program and determine whether it is in violation of federal law.

The complaint comes as the Trump administration has moved to restrict diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in higher education. Executive orders signed early in his second term direct federal agencies to enforce civil rights laws against what the administration characterizes as discriminatory DEI practices.

Despite those directives, the Stanford program remains active during the current academic year, according to the complaint. The outcome of the federal review could influence how universities nationwide structure similar programs tied to professional development and certification opportunities.