WILL files civil rights complaint over UW-Madison scholarships

Corrinne Hess of Wisconsin Public Radio//January 14, 2026//

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Corrinne Hess of Wisconsin Public Radio//January 14, 2026//

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IN BRIEF

WILL alleges UW-Madison offers about two dozen race-based scholarships.
Complaint filed with the U.S. Department of Education on behalf of Young America’s Foundation.
Second civil rights action by WILL against UW-Madison since January 2025.

The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty filed a civil rights complaint against the University of Wisconsin-Madison on behalf of conservative students on campus.

The firm alleges the school is offering about two dozen race-based scholarships. WILL is asking the U.S. Department of Education to investigate “race-based practices” on behalf of its client, the Young America’s Foundation.

It’s the second similar legal action against the university by the conservative law firm. WILL filed a federal civil rights complaint against UW-Madison in January 2025.

In March 2025, the Trump administration opened an investigation into UW-Madison’s alleged race-based practices.

“UW-Madison is flouting federal law, and playing chicken with the Trump Administration,” WILL vice president Dan Lennington said in a statement. “This won’t end well: a Title VI violation can result in the loss of federal funding, as other universities have discovered. We are calling for a new and expanded investigation into all the discriminatory practices at UW-Madison.”

UW-Madison spokesperson John Lucas said the school has not been notified by the Office of Civil Rights or WILL about the complaint but will cooperate if contacted.