Overview

The U.S. Department of Justice has determined that the medical school at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) engaged in illegal practices by considering race in its admissions process. This finding comes amid heightened scrutiny of college admissions practices under the Trump administration.

UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine has stated that its admissions are based on merit and that it adheres to state and federal laws. The school is currently reviewing the findings from the Justice Department.

Key details

  • The Justice Department's findings were released on Wednesday.
  • UCLA claims its admissions process is merit-based and compliant with legal standards.
  • The investigation is part of a broader examination of college admissions practices by the Trump administration.
  • Affirmative action in college admissions was deemed illegal by a Supreme Court ruling in 2023.
  • The ruling allows colleges to consider applicants' backgrounds but prohibits race-based admissions.
  • Donald Trump has criticized colleges for allegedly using personal statements to indirectly consider race.
  • In March, the Justice Department initiated investigations into race-based admissions at several universities, including Stanford and Ohio State.
  • The investigation into UCLA revealed discrimination against white and Asian American students in favor of Black and Hispanic applicants.
  • Evidence cited by the Justice Department includes data showing lower average GPAs and test scores among admitted Black and Hispanic students compared to their white and Asian American counterparts.
  • For instance, the average GPA for admitted Black students in 2024 was reported at 3.72, while it was 3.84 for Asian Americans and 3.83 for white students.
  • Harmeet Dhillon, head of the Justice Department’s civil rights division, stated that qualified students were denied admission based on their race.
  • The investigation reflects ongoing tensions regarding admissions practices and diversity goals in higher education.

Context

This investigation into UCLA's admissions practices is part of a larger trend where the Trump administration is scrutinizing how colleges select students, particularly in light of the recent Supreme Court decision that affects affirmative action policies.

What happens next

UCLA's medical school is currently reviewing the Justice Department's findings, and it is unclear what actions the institution may take in response to the allegations of illegal admissions practices.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific measures UCLA may implement in response to the findings, as well as the potential implications for future admissions processes, remain unconfirmed.