The Justice Department has accused Duke University Law School of engaging in unlawful admissions practices by considering race as a factor. The accusation is part of ongoing actions by the Trump administration targeting higher education institutions. The Department claims Duke used personal essays and first-generation college status as indirect measures of race.
In a statement, Duke Law School expressed its commitment to following the law while maintaining its academic mission. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon emphasized that the school’s approach constituted illegal discrimination, as ‘diversity’ essay questions were used to identify preferred races.
A Supreme Court ruling in 2023 outlawed affirmative action in college admissions, yet it allowed colleges to evaluate applicants based on characteristics reflecting their backgrounds. The Trump administration has accused colleges of circumventing this ruling to preserve racial diversity.
Previously, the Justice Department identified similar admissions issues at UCLA and Yale University medical schools. It is currently investigating 15 other medical schools. Under the Trump administration, data collection at selective colleges has been demanded to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s decision.
Findings against Duke Law highlighted disparities in admission rates and test scores between Black or Latino applicants and their white or Asian counterparts with similar academic credentials. The Department is seeking a settlement with Duke Law School.
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