The Trump administration has launched an investigation into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs at universities—including a Nevada professor who has been dead since 2023.
In January 2025, more than a year after the death of Professor Patricia Navarro-Velez, Trump issued an executive order banning DEI programs, Fox 5 Vegas reported. As part of this directive, the Department of Education has identified 45 colleges for investigation, including University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).
The probe targets schools that partnered with The PhD Project, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in business academia by supporting underrepresented doctoral students.
UNLV confirmed that Navarro-Velez, who was murdered in a December 2023 mass shooting on campus, was named in the federal investigation alongside two other former UNLV professors.
"UNLV is aware of the federal investigation. Three former UNLV professors were participants in the mentoring program known as the PHD Project," a spokesperson for the university said. "In accordance with the Nevada System of Higher Education policy, UNLV is committed to and will provide equality of educational and employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, sex, age, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender, genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran status."
While Navarro-Velez was an advocate for diversity in accounting education, the school has not commented on the specific allegations against her. The PhD Project, which she participated in, has defended its mission to create a broader and more inclusive talent pipeline in business education.
The inclusion of a deceased professor in the investigation has raised questions about the thoroughness and intent of the probe.
