VCU Pulls Back on Scholarship for Descendants of Enslaved Virginians
POLITICS
VCU has revised a scholarship for descendants of enslaved Virginians, removing race-based language and expanding eligibility after a legal review flagged new federal shifts in DEI policy. Supporters say the changes reduce risk, while critics argue the program’s purpose was weakened.
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Commonwealth University has revised a scholarship program originally created for descendants of enslaved Virginians, expanding eligibility and removing race-specific language after a legal review flagged new federal scrutiny of DEI-related programs.¹
Eligibility Changed After DEI Review
VCU hired the law firm Cozen O’Connor to examine roughly 60 scholarships and identify any that could be interpreted as race-based under evolving federal guidance.² Portions of the review were redacted, but public records show the firm warned VCU that several scholarships carried legal risk if they remained tied too closely to ancestry or race.²
Following the review, VCU:
removed racial and ancestry-specific language from multiple scholarships³
expanded eligibility from Richmond Public Schools to students statewide²
replaced references to enslaved-descendant status with broader criteria such as “financial disadvantage” or “historic legacy”³
Federal DEI Pressure Cited
VCU officials said the changes were prompted by “rapidly shifting federal standards” affecting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.² The university emphasized that while it must follow a 2021 Virginia law requiring aid for descendants of enslaved laborers, it also must comply with federal restrictions on race-conscious programs.¹
Critics Say Purpose Was Weakened
Some community advocates argue that widening the scholarship undermines its original goal of supporting people with documented ancestral ties to slavery in Virginia. They say the revisions dilute the intent of the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship (Virginia Code § 23.1-615.1), which directs participating universities to assist descendants.⁴
Statewide Impact
Other public colleges in Virginia are preparing for similar reviews as institutions balance:
state mandates to support descendants of enslaved Virginians
federal pressure limiting race-specific programs
legal risk assessments recommended by outside counsel²
What Happens Next
VCU will continue implementing the revised rules for the Gabriel Scholars Program while monitoring federal DEI developments and consulting with the state. More changes may follow as federal interpretations evolve.¹