More than 50 universities are being investigated for alleged racial discrimination as part of President Donald Trump’s campaign to end diversity and equity programs that his officials say exclude white and Asian American students.

The lawsuit was brought by the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, the American Association of University Professors, Restaurant Opportunities Centers United and the city of Baltimore. They argue that the anti-DEI policy violates their freedom of speech under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The U.S. Department of Education on Friday said its office for civil rights is investigating 45 universities, citing complaints that the schools engaged with a program that set eligibility based on race.

The Education Department announced Friday it is investigating more than 50 colleges and universities over what it called "racial preferences" in academics or scholarships, a move that comes amid the Trump administration's wider crackdown on diversity,