The DOJ is investigating Stanford University and the University of California campuses at Berkeley, UCLA, and UCI, as allegations arise regarding their continued use of race in admissions despite a Supreme Court ban.
Federal Investigations Target California Universities Over Race-Based Admissions Practices
Federal Investigations Target California Universities Over Race-Based Admissions Practices
The U.S. Department of Justice probes four major California universities for potential violations of the Supreme Court’s ruling that outlawed affirmative action in higher education.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has initiated investigations into four prestigious California institutions—Stanford University, and the University of California locations at Berkeley, Los Angeles (UCLA), and Irvine (UCI)—amidst allegations that these universities are still factoring race into their admissions processes, circumventing the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling which prohibited affirmative action in higher education.
In a statement, Attorney General Pam Bondi affirmed the Trump administration's commitment to reinstating a system focused on merit-based admissions across the nation. “President Trump and I are determined to abolish illegal discrimination, ensuring that every student in America is evaluated purely on their diligence, intellect, and character, not their skin color,” she asserted.
The Supreme Court’s decision in the case of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard explicitly dismissed race-based admissions practices, and the DOJ is now pressuring these universities for compliance with the ruling.
Acting Associate Attorney General Chad Mizelle emphasized that “any college or university should be aware that any form of illegal discrimination in admissions will be thoroughly investigated and remedied”.
Greg Burt, vice president of the California Family Council, lauded the federal actions, claiming that these universities foster what he describes as “reverse discrimination” and suggested that numerous institutions may have covertly devised methods to sidestep this legislation. He remarked that these investigations could aid in reinstating a culture of equality and merit.
“DEI policies often lead to division along racial lines rather than fostering genuine equality,” Burt remarked, highlighting the detrimental impact of such policies on student unity.
As the Trump administration ramps up its efforts against race-based policies, these investigations mark a significant pivot toward a merit-first admissions model—and serve as a caution to any university attempting to dissent from the new legal standards.
