Key facts
- The U.S. Education Department is investigating five medical schools for admissions practices.
- The probes are linked to alleged racial discrimination.
- The investigations align with the Trump administration's efforts against diversity initiatives.
- The U.S. Department of Justice previously investigated 15 medical schools for similar practices.
- The Education Department removed 'disparate impact' regulations that prohibited policies with discriminatory effects.
The U.S. Education Department announced it is investigating five medical schools for their admissions practices, citing alleged racial discrimination. These probes are part of the Trump administration's broader initiative to challenge diversity and equity programs. The schools under scrutiny include Dartmouth College's Geisel School of Medicine, East Carolina University's Brody School of Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, and William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. This action follows previous investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice into 15 medical schools for similar concerns. Concurrently, the Education Department removed several 'disparate impact' regulations, which had historically prohibited policies with unintended discriminatory effects. Civil rights advocates strongly criticized this move, arguing the regulations were vital for protecting students from systemic discrimination based on race, color, and national origin. The department stated the changes would empower schools to address classroom issues without fear of anti-discrimination laws being weaponized.