WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. Department of Education is investigating 45 universities for possible violations of civil rights laws.

The investigation follows complaints that these schools took part in a program that set eligibility based on race.

Since Donald Trump returned to office in January, his administration has moved to limit programs that provide support based on race, gender, or ethnicity.

The Education Department says the universities partnered with a program to increase diversity in business schools. It argues that this violates the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which was meant to reduce discrimination against non-white Americans.

While the statement did not specify who was harmed by the program, Trump and many conservatives argue that diversity initiatives can be unfair and discriminatory.

The Trump administration has also targeted universities for protests held in support of Palestinians, which the administration has described as anti-Semitic.

The administration earlier this month canceled US$400 million in federal grants and contracts to Columbia University in response to what it said was the Ivy League school's poor response to anti-Semitism on campus.