LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Three former UNLV professors — together with one who died within the deadly on-campus capturing on Dec. 6, 2023 — participated in a program often called the Ph.D Undertaking, which seems to have gotten the eye of the U.S. authorities and landed the college in the course of a federal investigation, the 8 Information Now Investigators have discovered.
Friday, the Schooling Division introduced it’s investigating greater than 50 schools — together with UNLV — over what it referred to as “racial preferences” in lecturers or scholarships, a transfer that comes amid the Trump administration’s wider crackdown on range, fairness and inclusion (DEI) applications.
The division mentioned 45 colleges are beneath investigation for partnering with the Ph.D Undertaking, which it says is “an organization that purports to provide doctoral students with insights into obtaining a Ph.D. and networking opportunities, but limits eligibility based on the race of participants.”
UNLV, in an announcement, acknowledged its professors’ involvement within the Ph.D venture.
“UNLV is aware of the federal investigation,” the assertion mentioned. “Three former UNLV professors had been individuals within the mentoring program often called the PHD Undertaking.
“Two of them are no longer with UNLV. The third person was Patricia Navarro Velez, a beloved professor who was tragically killed on our campus by a gunman on Dec. 6, 2023.”
Picture of Patricia Navarro-Velez offered by UNLV
Phrase of the investigation comes simply days after UNLV’s president, Keith Whitfield, abruptly resigned, citing a must concentrate on his household.
“These commitments would require extra of my time and vitality and stop me from being your president,” he mentioned in his assertion to the college neighborhood on March 3.
The subsequent day, 8 Information Now reported that the Nevada System of Larger Schooling Board of Regents confirmed, in current conferences, a rising frustration with Whitfield.
NSHE, in an announcement Friday, additionally responded to information of the federal investigation into UNLV and different schools and universities, together with Ivy League colleges, giant state colleges and smaller schools.
“We are working to understand the scope of the investigation and how to best support our institution in addressing any concerns,” the statement said. “NSHE remains committed to fostering vibrant campus communities that support the success of our students, faculty, and researchers. We will continue to support our institutions in navigating federal requirements while advancing their missions in service to Nevada.”
Patricia Navarro Velez, one of many professors cited in UNLV’s assertion in regards to the federal investigation, died within the December 2023 capturing on UNLV’s campus through which three college members died.
Generally known as “Pat,” Navarro Velez was a beloved member of the UNLV accounting and Lee Enterprise College neighborhood and household, Dr. Jason Smith, Division of Accounting chair and professor at Lee Enterprise College mentioned.
“She had a larger-than-life personality and an infectious smile, and a genuine kindness that made everyone around her feel like family,” Dr. Smith mentioned.
Efficient March 4, UNLV Government Vice President and Provost Christopher L. Heavey, Ph.D., will take the function of Officer in Cost, in keeping with a submit on the UNLV web site.
