July 21, 2026
Do No Harm v. Northeastern State University and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
On July 21, 2026, Do No Harm filed a federal civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights (ED-OCR), alleging that Northeastern State University (NSU) and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race in a nursing scholarship program offered solely to American Indian students.
Do No Harm’s complaint alleges that the schools’ scholarship program — the Northeast Oklahoma Recruitment and Advancement of American Indians into Nursing (NEORAAIN) program — violates Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 through the exclusion of all students who are not of American Indian descent.
The program covers tuition, books, fees, and living expenses for recipients of the award in addition to providing mentorship and access to professional events. According to its promotional materials, the scholarship aims to “increase the number of Native American nurses,” “support Native American students pursuing nursing degrees,” and “prepare [Native American students] to serve in Indian health facilities following graduation.”
As recipients of federal funding, both schools are subject to federal civil rights laws prohibiting racial and ethnic discrimination.
Do No Harm’s complaint argues that the schools’ preference for American Indian students has no legally justified basis and violates Title VI.