DOJ Investigates 15 More Med Schools, Alleging Race-Based Admissions
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has launched 15 new investigations into medical schools for potential race discrimination in admissions, expanding its crackdown following recent probes at UCLA and Yale. The DOJ claims these schools prioritize demographics over merit, while medical education groups argue holistic admissions improve physician training and patient care diversity.
The Department of Justice announced on Thursday that it is expanding its investigations into medical school admissions, launching probes into 15 additional institutions for potential race-based discrimination. The DOJ, under the Trump administration, has already scrutinized UCLA and Yale medical schools for allegedly considering race or racial proxies like geographic location in admissions decisions. Harmeet Dhillon, the DOJ’s assistant attorney general for civil rights, stated that the department will protect students from discriminatory admissions practices, emphasizing that training quality should be the priority in medicine. The DOJ did not name the 15 newly investigated schools in its release, and officials declined to provide details when requested. This move follows earlier investigations at Stanford, Ohio State, and the University of California, San Diego, where the DOJ sought data to demonstrate racial preferences in admissions. If schools are found to violate federal law, they risk losing federal funding for professional programs. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) defended holistic admissions, arguing that test scores alone do not determine a doctor’s success. Alison Whelan, the AAMC’s chief medical officer, stated that diverse medical classes improve peer-to-peer training and better prepare physicians to care for diverse patient populations. She highlighted that the Medical College Admission Test is just one factor in a broader evaluation process. The DOJ’s actions are part of a broader push to influence college admissions, including a 2025 executive order targeting race-conscious policies. Schools under investigation may face pressure to comply with federal requests for applicant data, with potential consequences for non-cooperation or violations. Critics argue that the DOJ’s focus on race in admissions undermines efforts to create inclusive medical workforces, while supporters claim it enforces equal opportunity laws. The investigations continue as the DOJ seeks to reshape admissions practices in critical professions.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.