Investigations Launched into Race Consideration at Medical Schools
The Trump administration has intensified its focus on the use of race in college admissions by initiating investigations into three prominent medical schools. The Justice Department is examining potential discriminatory practices at Stanford University, Ohio State University, and the University of California, San Diego, as announced by Harmeet Dhillon, the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, on X.
This move aligns with President Donald Trump’s ongoing efforts to scrutinize higher education institutions, which he claims are heavily influenced by liberal agendas. Previously, the administration had demanded data from selective colleges to ensure compliance with a 2023 Supreme Court decision prohibiting affirmative action in college admissions.
The initial report of the investigations emerged through The New York Times. In correspondence with Ohio State, Dhillon specified the need for documents related to the racial consideration in applicant evaluations. The request extends to applicant-level admissions data, alongside any analyses of admissions trends or outcomes by race. A comprehensive five-page document outlines the records the government seeks, including standardized test scores and racial demographics for applicants dating back to the 2019 class.
Ohio State has assured compliance with all pertinent state and federal laws. “We’ve received the attached letter and will respond appropriately,” said university spokesperson Benjamin Johnson. Similarly, UC San Diego confirmed its commitment to lawful admissions procedures, stating, “UC San Diego is committed to fair processes in all of our programs and activities, including admissions, consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws.” Stanford School of Medicine is also reviewing the letter and reiterated its prohibition of unlawful discrimination based on race or other protected characteristics, as noted by spokesperson Cecilia Arradaza.
The basis for targeting these particular schools remains unclear. The Supreme Court’s decision to ban affirmative action permits the consideration of race if applicants disclose its impact on their lives in personal essays. However, Trump has expressed concerns about colleges using essays and other indirect methods to factor race into admissions decisions.
Recently, a group of 17 Democratic state attorneys general challenged a Trump administration directive requiring higher education institutions to gather data proving non-discriminatory admissions practices. A Massachusetts federal judge is currently deliberating their petition to halt this requirement.
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