Rice University is among about 45 universities under federal investigation over allegations that they participated in "race-exclusionary practices." Why it matters: The investigation is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to dismantle diversity,

The group of 45 universities are allegedly tied to the PhD Project, a professional development organization for PhD students that allegedly limits eligibility based on race.

The lawsuit was brought by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors, Restaurant Opportunities Centers United and the city of Baltimore. They argue that the anti-DEI policy violates their freedom of speech under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.