Justice Dept. Warns of Probe into University Professors' BIPOC-Only Geology Camp

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon signaled that the Justice Department could open an inquiry into a geology camp marketed as exclusive to Black, Indigenous and People of Color after a video circulated online. The footage featured Central Washington University senior lecturer Nick Zentner and assistant professor of geology Hannah Shamloo promoting the “Rock and Role” retreat, noting it was not open to everyone and emphasizing its BIPOC focus.

The event is organized by the nonprofit Bronze Chapter, which labels the program a “POC-centering geology sleepover summer camp” and provides sponsorships for families of up to ten people. Central Washington University issued a statement saying it is not affiliated with the Bronze Chapter nor financially involved in the August 21-23 camp, but it supports faculty who volunteer their expertise. The university declined to comment further, and neither professor responded to requests for comment. One outlet also sought comments from the Bronze Chapter and the Justice Department without response.