Key facts
- The Department of Justice alleged Duke University School of Law's admissions practices were biased in favor of Black and Hispanic applicants.
- The DOJ stated that a Black or Hispanic applicant had a substantially higher likelihood of admission to Duke Law than a white or Asian applicant with the same academic credentials.
- The DOJ made similar allegations regarding admissions practices at the University of California and Yale medical schools.
- The Education Department is probing San Jose State University and San Francisco State University over pro-Palestinian protests.
- Complaints to the Education Department alleged universities failed to respond to antisemitism accusations, including hostility towards Jewish students and displays of antisemitic graffiti.
The Trump administration has intensified its scrutiny of U.S. universities, targeting admissions practices and responses to pro-Palestinian protests. The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleged that Duke University School of Law's admissions process showed bias favoring Black and Hispanic applicants over white or Asian applicants with similar academic qualifications. The DOJ indicated it is seeking a voluntary resolution agreement with Duke Law, which stated it is reviewing the department's letter and remains committed to legal compliance.
Similar allegations regarding admissions practices were made earlier this year against medical schools at the University of California and Yale. Both institutions maintained their practices were merit-based. President Trump has previously expressed opposition to diversity goals, viewing them as discriminatory against white individuals and men, and has taken steps to dismantle such initiatives. Rights advocates, however, argue that diversity practices are necessary to address historical inequities.
In parallel, the Education Department announced probes into San Jose State University and San Francisco State University concerning pro-Palestinian protests. These investigations stem from complaints alleging the universities failed to adequately address accusations of antisemitism, including reports of hostility toward Jewish students, antisemitic graffiti, and disruptions to classes. Both universities have condemned all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
The administration has characterized pro-Palestinian protesters as antisemitic and supportive of extremists. Protesters, including some Jewish groups, contend that criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza is mislabeled as antisemitism and that advocacy for Palestinian rights is wrongly equated with supporting extremism. President Trump has previously used probes and threatened funding suspensions against universities over diversity initiatives, transgender policies, and climate programs, raising concerns about free speech, due process, and academic freedom. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has urged universities to commit to reforms by the end of 2026, a call opposed by the National Education Association.