The University of Richmond campus
The University of Richmond campus in Richmond, Va., is facing a federal civil rights complaint alleging its scholarships discriminate by race and sex. (Photo courtesy of University of Richmond)

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The University of Richmond is facing a federal civil rights complaint alleging that some of its scholarships unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race and sex.

The complaint, filed by the Rhode Island-based nonprofit Equal Protection Project, challenges three programs: the VSCPA, Business Partnership and Law Women's Centennial scholarships.

William Jacobson, the group's founder, said two of the scholarships restrict eligibility to minorities, which he argued violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He also said a women-only scholarship runs afoul of Title IX.

"If the complaint is accepted by the Department of Education or the Office for Civil Rights, the university could risk losing federal funding," Jacobson said.

In a statement, the University of Richmond said it has not been contacted by federal officials about the matter. "We have robust nondiscrimination policies and are committed to adhering to all federal civil rights law," the school said.

The complaint comes as colleges nationwide face mounting challenges to diversity, equity and inclusion programs following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 ruling against race-conscious admissions.