University of Oklahoma sued by 3 white students for racial discrimination in financial aid
Three white students at the University of Oklahoma claim the school denied them financial aid because of systemic discrimination that favors Black students, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday.
According to the lawsuit, Brayden Johnson, Logan Rhines and Kayla Savage received less help from OU because of race-based policies that guide the distribution of financial aid. They are represented by conservative think tank Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs and the Washington, D.C., law firm of Cooper & Kirk.
The case attempts to build on a landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court last year that struck down affirmative action admission policies at Harvard College and the University of North Carolina, saying they violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Affirmative action is a policy meant to correct for the lingering effects of discrimination against historically disadvantaged groups.
"Rather than determining who to admit based on their race, the University of Oklahoma determines how much financial aid it gives to students based on their race. That is unlawful," the lawsuit states.
OCPA said it used a statistical analysis of publicly available data to conclude that OU considers race when awarding financial aid. It also noted that OU hosts several race-conscious programs specifically for Black students, including a pre-semester leadership conference, special orientation sessions and a Black Excellence Ceremony before graduation.
"There is no legitimate basis for privileging the financial needs of students of one race over the financial needs of students of other races," the lawsuit states.
OU has not yet issued a response. The plaintiffs are seeking class-action status, which would allow other potentially affected individuals to join the lawsuit.
More: Football legend Ryan Broyles says someone yelled racial slur at him from OU fraternity house
DEI policies at Oklahoma universities targeted in executive order
Conservative political groups have waged a campaign against diversity efforts nationwide, and have found success in Oklahoma. Last year, Gov. Kevin Stitt signed an executive order requiring “state agencies and institutes of higher education to formally review the necessity and efficiency of DEI positions, departments, activities, procedures, and programs.” DEI is an acronym for diversity, equity and inclusion.
OU has endured several racial controversies in recent years. In 2015, the OU Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity made national news for a racist chant. The fraternity chapter was shut down and two members leading the chant left the university.
Opinion: Gov. Stitt's DEI executive order has destroyed a vital OU leadership program for women
In 2019, two more students left the university after wearing blackface in a video and using the N-word. Later that year, a student posted a photo wearing a mud mask and appearing to mock campus blackface incidents. Not long after, students protested two faculty members’ use of the N-word in class.
And this year, former OU football player Ryan Broyles was walking on campus with his family when he said he heard someone shout a racial slur from a fraternity house.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: OU sued by three white students for racial discrimination
