On March 27, the U.S. Department of Justice announced investigations into Stanford University and three University of California schools to ensure compliance with a Supreme Court ruling that struck down race-conscious admissions. The ruling from 2023 effectively prohibited the use of affirmative action policies to increase the number of underrepresented minority students on American campuses. U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi directed the department’s civil rights division to investigate and ensure that the schools are not discriminating in their admissions process.
President Donald Trump’s administration has been working to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, including within academic institutions. The Justice Department’s investigations are part of this effort. Bondi stated that the goal is to end illegal discrimination and promote merit-based opportunities for all students based on their hard work, intellect, and character rather than the color of their skin. The investigations are just the beginning of the Justice Department’s attempt to eradicate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
Stanford University and the University of California system responded to the investigations, with Stanford stating that they have been taking steps to comply with the Supreme Court decision and are committed to fulfilling their obligations under the law. The University of California mentioned that they have adhered to a ban on affirmative action since 1996 and collect students’ race and ethnicity information for statistical purposes only, not for admissions decisions. The Justice Department’s investigation will be ongoing to ensure compliance with the law and promote a merit-based admissions process.
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