Overview

The U.S. Department of Justice has accused UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine of illegally using race in its admissions process over the past three years. The allegations suggest that the school discriminated against white and Asian American applicants, violating federal law.

A seven-page letter from the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division indicates that the medical school continued to factor race into admissions decisions despite a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits race-conscious admissions policies.

Key details

  • The Justice Department claims UCLA's medical school has intentionally discriminated against applicants based on race.
  • Allegations specifically target the treatment of white and Asian American candidates during admissions.
  • The accusations stem from a review conducted under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
  • The Department of Justice's findings were released in a letter on Wednesday.
  • The Supreme Court's decision in the case of Students for Fair Admissions vs. Harvard has implications for race-conscious admissions policies.
  • The UCLA spokesperson stated that admissions are based on merit and that the school complies with the law.
  • The spokesperson emphasized a comprehensive review process for each applicant.
  • The Justice Department's investigation lasted nearly a year.
  • UCLA's leadership is accused of selecting applicants based on race, suggesting a belief that patients benefit from being treated by doctors of the same race.
  • Admitted Black and Latino applicants reportedly had lower average Medical College Admission Test scores and GPAs compared to white and Asian American applicants.
  • Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon criticized UCLA's admissions practices as prioritizing racial demographics over merit.
  • This investigation is part of broader scrutiny of admissions practices at various universities, including UC San Diego and Stanford.

Context

The allegations against UCLA's medical school are part of a larger trend of investigations into admissions practices at educational institutions, particularly those receiving federal funding. The scrutiny follows a Supreme Court ruling that has reshaped the landscape of race-conscious admissions policies.

What happens next

UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine has stated that it is reviewing the Justice Department's report and remains committed to providing equal opportunities in admissions while adhering to federal and state laws.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding the specific outcomes of the Justice Department's investigation and any potential repercussions for UCLA's medical school are not confirmed at this time.