BY COMFORT OGBONNA
The Trump administration has launched investigations into the admissions policies at Stanford University and three campuses within the University of California system—UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC Irvine.
The Department of Justice announced the investigations on Thursday, stating that they aim to determine whether these institutions are complying with the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action in college admissions.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has directed the department’s Civil Rights Division to examine the universities’ policies and ensure they align with the ruling. Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has taken significant steps to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, arguing that such initiatives discriminate against white and Asian American students.
The administration has warned educational institutions that they risk losing federal funding if they continue to implement “race-based preferences” in admissions, hiring, scholarships, and other aspects of campus life.
This latest action follows an announcement from the U.S. Department of Education earlier this month, revealing that 52 universities were under investigation for alleged racial discrimination. The majority of these schools were reportedly targeted due to their partnerships with a nonprofit organization that helps students of color pursue doctoral degrees.
Attorney General Bondi reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to eliminating what it considers discriminatory practices in higher education. “President Trump and I are dedicated to ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity across the country,” Bondi stated. “Every student in America deserves to be judged solely based on their hard work, intellect, and character, not the color of their skin.”
Stanford University responded to the announcement, stating that it had already taken steps to ensure its admissions process complies with the Supreme Court’s ruling. “We continue to be committed to fulfilling our obligations under the law,” the university said in a statement. Stanford officials noted that they had not been provided specific details about the investigation but expressed a willingness to cooperate and address any concerns raised by the Justice Department.
In a related development, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has initiated an investigation into a major medical school in California for alleged racial discrimination in its admissions process. While the department has not disclosed the name of the institution, officials stated that the inquiry was prompted by information received by the Office for Civil Rights. No further details have been provided at this time.
The Trump administration has opened an investigation into the California Department of Education over a state law that prohibits school districts from requiring teachers and staff to notify parents if a student changes their gender identity at school. This move signals a broader effort by the administration to challenge policies it views as infringing on parental rights and educational transparency.
These investigations reflect the administration’s broader push to reshape higher education and public policy, with a strong focus on eliminating race-conscious programs and reinforcing what it calls a merit-based system.
The outcomes of these investigations could have significant implications for universities across the country as they navigate the evolving legal landscape surrounding admissions and diversity initiatives.
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