Wayne Shutsky

The department says the investigation was prompted by viral videos that show ASU may be denying equal treatment to students based on race, color, or national origin.

The department did not specify which videos it was referring to.

But earlier this year, a conservative watchdog published secret recordings of faculty members talking about the ways they promote inclusivity while following new rules designed to block DEI policies.

At the time, an ASU spokesperson denied the university engaged in discrimination.

The Department of Education previously threatened to strip federal funding from schools and universities that did not end race-based decision-making.

But a judge struck down those policies last year.

For NPR News, I'm Wayne Schatzke in Phoenix.

Former U.S.

Senate candidate Jim Lehman was one of 11 Arizona Republicans who signed a document falsely claiming President Trump won the state in 2020.

A grand jury indicted these fake electors and several allies, including attorney Rudy Giuliani and former Trump chief of staff Mark Meadows, on fraud and other felony charges.

A spokesman confirms the state attorney general will drop the charges against Lehman.

Lehman's attorney says his client did not sign a plea deal or agree to testify, though he will not object to certain subpoenas for text messages sought by prosecutors.

The Arizona case is now in limbo as the state Supreme Court considers an appeal over whether it should be sent back to the grand jury.

For NPR News, I'm Wayne Schatzke in Phoenix.