The United States Department of Justice recently informed the College of William & Mary of an investigation into alleged illegal race-based scholarship and aid programs at the school. The letter from the DOJ to the College dated August 17, 2026 states that the Department “recently became aware that W&M offers or administers scholarships and other educational benefits that may include unlawful racial criteria.”
In response to an email sent by the Williamsburg Independent seeking clarification on how the Department was made aware of the information, a press official directed the writer to an official statement. There the DOJ warns that it “will find out if scholarships or other student benefits at William & Mary favor applicants of certain races.” The letter sent to the College similarly states that “[t]he Department has reviewed other public-facing materials.” But neither specify what instigated the review of W&M practices. Subsequent emails seeking further explanation went unanswered by the press office.
DOJ outlines multiple alleged violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which they say “prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin”. The allegations center around a variety of scholarship and financial-assistance programs at the school. For example, initiatives under review at the W&M Law School include the Lemon Legal Scholars Program and the “Reaching Back Scholarship”. The DOJ also identified several programs at the W&M School of education as potentially violating Federal law, including the preferences of the Martha L. Muguira Fellowship and the Holmes Scholar Program.
A statement on the the William and Mary website regarding the investigation reads: “William & Mary is committed to nondiscrimination and compliance with all state and federal laws. We are reviewing the information received on August 17, 2026 and gathering the data that has been requested. As a matter of practice, the university doesn’t comment on pending legal matters.”
The investigation of William & Mary follows similar actions at the University of Virginia and George Mason University. The DOJ announced an agreement with UVA in October 2025, requiring the school to submit to quarterly review of their policies to ensure there is no “unlawful racial discrimination in its university programming, admissions, hiring, or other activities.” The investigation of George Mason is ongoing.
In other news:
Government
York schools release fact sheet on proposed sales tax hike York County School Division published a new fact sheet explaining a proposed one percent local sales tax increase set for the November 3, 2026 ballot. According to the division, revenue from the tax, estimated near 12 million dollars annually, would fund school construction and major renovations only, not salaries or daily operations. The fact sheet, posted by the school division’s finance department, states the school system takes no position for or against the referendum but wants families and residents informed before they vote.
Education
WJCC kindergarten orientation program expands, to begin next week WJCC Schools is expanding its Kindergarten Orientation Model to six elementary schools this year, adding J. Blaine Blayton, James River and Matoaka to the program. According to the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools webpage for the program, the orientation runs August 24 through 31, with four student days followed by two planning days for teachers. Kindergartners at participating schools will not receive classroom assignments until after staff observe them, letting teachers build more balanced classes based on each child’s needs.
WJCC launches first-ever Freshman Transition Academy for new students WJCC Schools held its first Summer Freshman Transition Academy, a two-day program helping rising ninth graders build confidence and connections, according to the district’s newsroom announcement.
WJCC seeks residents for advisory councils and committees WJCC Schools is inviting public applications for advisory councils and committees, according to the district’s newsroom post. Superintendent’s Advisory Councils, application deadline August 28: Family Advisory Council, Community Advisory Council, Business Advisory Council. School Board Citizen Advisory Committees, application deadline September 3: Career Ready Advisory Committee, Special Education Advisory Committee.
Business
James City County entrepreneurs prep for Start Peninsula pitch contest James City County is promoting Start Peninsula’s Pitch Perfect workshop, set for Thursday, September 10, from 6 to 8 p.m., helping local entrepreneurs sharpen their pitches. According to a James City County government news flash, the session teaches attendees how to craft a strong business pitch through tips and practice, ahead of the peninsula-wide Start Peninsula competition that offers cash prizes and mentorship to entrepreneurs across Hampton Roads.
Community & Services
Regional chemical collection and shredding event set for York County York County Public Works announced a household chemical collection event for September 12 from 8 a.m. to noon, serving residents of Hampton, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County and York County. According to the York County government notice, the event, run by VPPSA, accepts paints, fuels, pesticides and automotive products, along with computers and related electronics. Televisions are excluded. A shredding truck will also be on site, letting residents destroy up to five boxes of personal paperwork.
FISH Williamsburg awaits certificate of occupancy for new food pantry building FISH Williamsburg is preparing to relocate from its Second Street site to a new building at 7129 Pocahontas Trail, pending final inspections and a certificate of occupancy from James City County, according to the group’s August newsletter, penned by FISH President Jill Holroyd. Volunteers recently sorted a large food donation from Saint Bede Catholic Church, and the group is also collecting school supplies and appearing as a Headliner at the Kiwanis Club’s Shrimp Feast on September 12.
Recreation & Events
Fossil Frenzy hike to explore ancient marine life August 22-23 York River State Park is hosting Fossil Frenzy on August 23 from 1 to 3 p.m., with an additional session on August 22 from 10 a.m. to noon, according to the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Participants hike to a fossil beach where traces of early whales, porpoises, sharks, clams, scallops, and snails, left behind more than 6 million years ago when the area was a shallow sea, can still be found. The family friendly event welcomes children, requires no registration, and only the standard park admission fee applies.
11th annual Adventure Race to return to Williamsburg on September 19 Williamsburg’s 11th annual Great Williamsburg Adventure Race takes place Saturday, September 19, with teams tackling business challenges and puzzles downtown. According to a city release, this year’s event coincides with William and Mary’s Family Weekend, and any team with a current W&M student can race free, courtesy of the City of Williamsburg.
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