McDonald's settles lawsuit over Latino scholarship program by opening door to non-Latino applicants

McDonald’s said Friday it is changing a scholarship program for Latino students after it was sued by a group that opposes affirmative action. McDonald’s HACER National Scholarship Program awards college scholarships to students with at least one Latino parent. Earlier in January, the American Alliance for Equal Rights sued McDonald’s over the program. The alliance is run by Edward Blum, who successfully challenged affirmative action in college admissions. McDonald's said it decided to settle the lawsuit so applicants can still be considered this year. McDonald's said the program will now be open to anyone who can demonstrate a commitment to the Latino community, not just those with Latino parents.