Department of Justice Launches Investigation into California Universities’ Admissions Practices
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Thursday an investigation into four prominent universities in California—UCLA, UC Irvine, Stanford, and UC Berkeley—over potential violations of federal and state laws that prohibit the use of race as a factor in college admissions. Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted this move as part of a broader initiative to eliminate discriminatory practices in education.
Overview of the Investigations
The DOJ’s announcement described the planned actions as a “compliance review,” though specific details regarding the nature of the alleged violations have not been disclosed. Notably, the DOJ issued a succinct statement, comprising only 248 words, that refrained from citing any specific incidents or complaints that might have instigated the investigation.
The shift in language from “affirmative action” to “DEI” (diversity, equity, and inclusion) marks an ongoing effort by the Trump administration to reshape the conversation around race in higher education. The administration has argued that DEI initiatives favor certain racial groups over others, undermining merit-based opportunities.
Reactions from the Universities
Officials from the University of California (UC) system responded by asserting that they have adhered to California law since the enactment of Proposition 209 in 1997, which prohibits racial considerations within the admissions process. UC spokesperson Rachel Zaentz noted, “At the same time, we remain committed to expanding access for all qualified students,” emphasizing that demographic data collected during the application process is utilized solely for statistical purposes and does not influence admissions decisions.
Stanford University also weighed in on the matter, with spokesperson Dee Mostofi stating that the institution ceased considering race in its admissions process following the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision that deemed affirmative action unconstitutional. Mostofi expressed a willingness to cooperate with the DOJ’s inquiry, saying, “We look forward to learning more about their concerns.”
A Broader Context of Scrutiny
This investigation into California’s universities is part of a larger wave of scrutiny surrounding DEI initiatives nationwide. Educational institutions across the country have faced increasing pressure to cancel or reshape diversity-related programs in light of new federal guidance, which warns that such initiatives may jeopardize federal funding.
For example, USC has restructured its diversity office to align with the current federal focus. Additionally, the University of California has recently prohibited campuses from requiring faculty applicants to submit “diversity statements,” a shift reflecting national trends among universities moving away from traditional diversity practices.
Impacts on Diversity in Admissions
The recent DOJ investigation highlights heightened concerns regarding racial representation in college admissions, particularly following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that resulted in declines in admissions for Black and Latino students across several elite universities. While the UC system has maintained stable or expanding enrollment numbers among nonwhite groups—largely thanks to targeted outreach programs—questions persist regarding the legal and ethical implications of such diversity efforts.
Ongoing Investigations and Implications
Aside from the current admissions inquiry, the DOJ has also opened investigations regarding other California universities, examining their affiliations with programs like the PhD Project, which aims to enhance racial diversity within business education. Institutions have been given a deadline to present details about their connections to this nonprofit, with implications that could significantly affect their operational funding.
This latest scrutiny from the DOJ serves as a reminder of the evolving landscape of higher education policies around race and diversity, igniting discussions about fairness, equality, and the future of collegiate admissions practices.
Concerns Over Antisemitism and Campus Safety
In a related development, a congressional committee has addressed issues of antisemitism at Pomona College in light of recent campus incidents linked to rising tensions regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict. The committee’s letter requested records detailing antisemitic occurrences and disciplinary actions related to such incidents, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding all students’ rights.
Pomona College has assured it is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all students and will fully cooperate with the inquiry.
