The Department of Education announced investigations into more than 50 universities that are being investigated for alleged racial discrimination.

The colleges under scrutiny include dozens of state schools such as the University of Kansas. The U.S. Department of Education claims the schools violated civil rights laws because of programs aimed at fixing longstanding racial disparities in their graduate programs.

Federal education officials say numerous investigations are being opened against universities across the nation, including in Kansas, for alleged violations of the Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964. The U.

KU is among 45 schools under investigation for partnering with an organization that aims to encourage students from diverse backgrounds to pursue doctoral degrees.

The Department of Education says KU is one of 45 universities under investigation for partnering with a group that support minority business students.