Trump DOJ launches probe into three medical schools over possible race-based admissions
President Donald Trump’s administration has opened an investigation into three top medical schools over allegations of “race discrimination” in admissions processes, possibly meaning they have run afoul of the federal government’s crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Ohio State University College of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine and UC San Diego School of Medicine all received formal letters, with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking additional information pertaining to admissions based on identity characteristics, such as race and sex.
The DOJ is also asking for pertinent supporting documentation typically gathered by schools, such as standardized test scores on applicants, identifying information, and any correspondence the schools may have with donors.
In part, the DOJ seems to be looking at how donors influence who gets accepted at the three schools. But in the letters seen by multiple media outlets, authorities were clear that their probe is honing in on how race factors into all of the above.
“At this time, our investigation will focus on possible race discrimination in medical school admissions at Ohio State University College of Medicine,” one of the letters says explicitly.
Schools deny violating law
According to the New York Times—the first outlet to report on the story—the schools have until April 24 to respond and turn over any relevant documentation. In statements to the outlet, the schools reiterated that they already follow state and federal regulations.
Further, they said they are reviewing the requests, with Ohio State University College of Medicine confirming that it will “respond appropriately.”
In its coverage, Reuters added that education advocates have urged the schools to push back. However, the three universities have barely had time to process what’s happening, given that the letters from the DOJ were dated as being sent on Wednesday.
The move by the Trump administration follows a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that effectively struck down affirmative action policies related to racial quotas in college admissions.
This is a developing story.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.