New York could face legal action over a state-funded college enrichment program after two groups warned Gov. Kathy Hochul that the program’s eligibility rules allow for discrimination against White and Asian students.
In a demand letter sent Wednesday and obtained by Fox News Digital, the Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) and the Equal Protection Project (EPP) urged Hochul and Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa to change the state-funded Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), arguing it violates the Equal Protection Clause by authorizing eligibility based on race and ethnicity.
CSTEP, a grant-funded program sponsored by the New York State Department of Education, is an academic and professional development program intended to help minority students and economically disadvantaged students pursue careers in math, science, technology and health-related fields. Under state law, the program offers financial aid, tutoring, counseling and remedial and special summer courses to eligible students.
