U.S. Justice Department investigates race-based admissions practices at Stanford, UC campuses

(MENAFN) On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice revealed that it has initiated investigations into Stanford University and three campuses of the University of California—Berkeley, UCLA, and Irvine—regarding possible breaches of Supreme Court decisions that prohibit race-based admissions practices.

Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized, “President Trump and I are dedicated to ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity across the country,” asserting that “every student in America deserves to be judged solely based on their hard work, intellect, and character, not the color of their skin.”

The purpose of the investigation is to assess whether these universities continue to factor race into their admissions processes, despite the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling that invalidated affirmative action policies in higher education.

In response, Stanford issued a statement indicating that it promptly took action to adhere to the ruling and is dedicated to maintaining legal admissions procedures. “We are eager to engage with the department's concerns,” the university remarked.

The Justice Department has accused these universities of placing “racial quotas over equality of opportunity,” asserting that initiatives aimed at increasing diversity have resulted in discriminatory actions.

The Department announced, “These compliance investigations are just the beginning of the Department’s work in eradicating illegal DEI and protecting equality under the law,” emphasizing its initiative to tackle race-centered Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs.

MENAFN07042025000045017169ID1109398771