Drake law professor Miguel Schor, affiliated with Drake University, appeared in a Foreign Policy article arguing that the United States is the world’s oldest militant democracy. His participation in this public political discourse highlights the university’s civic engagement and its role in challenging authoritarian tendencies.

A federal civil rights complaint was filed on April 22, 2025, against Drake University. The complaint alleges that the university's 'crew scholars' program discriminates by limiting scholarship eligibility to students of color. Critics argue that this approach, despite being intended to foster diversity and address historical inequities, violates federal anti-discrimination laws by excluding white students.

A federal civil rights complaint filed by the Equal Protection Project alleges that Drake University’s Crew Scholars Program unlawfully excludes White students by conditioning scholarships on race. Despite the politically charged attack and pressure from conservative groups and political administrations targeting DEI initiatives, Drake has maintained its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

On April 22, 2025, a civil rights complaint was filed by the Equal Protection Project against Drake University's Crew Scholars Program, which exclusively serves students of color. The complaint alleges that the program discriminates against white students. Drake University reaffirms its longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and this politically charged challenge is viewed as an attempt to undermine progressive DEI initiatives.

On April 22, 2025, the Equal Protection Project filed a civil rights complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights alleging that Drake University’s Crew Scholars Program—which is exclusively available to students of color—violates Title VI. In response, university officials reiterated their longstanding commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, affirming that these efforts will persist despite external legal challenges.

Drake University is set to host a nationally televised GOP presidential primary debate on January 10, 2024, at its historic Sheslow Auditorium, furthering its longstanding tradition of civic engagement and contribution to the democratic process.

Drake University and CNN announced that a GOP presidential primary debate will be held on campus at Sheslow Auditorium on January 10, 2024, emphasizing the university's longstanding role in fostering civic engagement and political discourse.

Drake University transformed its Sheslow Auditorium into a nationally televised stage on January 10, 2024 to host a GOP primary debate, featuring candidates Nikki Haley and Ron DeSantis, providing students and the campus community with an immersive civic engagement opportunity.