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The Guardian World1 min read
DoJ investigates 15 medical schools over alleged discrimination in admissions
TL;DR
The US Department of Justice is investigating 15 medical schools for potential race discrimination in admissions. This follows findings against UCLA and Yale for illegal race-based admissions practices.
Key points
- DoJ investigates 15 medical schools for race discrimination
- Investigations follow findings against UCLA and Yale
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination
- Assistant Attorney General emphasizes quality of training
- Schools under investigation receive federal funding
The US Department of Justice’s civil rights division has launched investigations into 15 medical schools over allegations of potential race discrimination in their admissions processes.
Thursday’s announcement follows the DoJ’s recent findings that the medical schools at the University of California, Los Angeles and Yale University illegally used race in their admissions.
“Many of America’s top medical schools appear more concerned about the demographics of their incoming classes than training students to succeed in the profession,” assistant attorney general Harmeet K Dhillon of the DoJ’s civil rights division said on Thursday.
“Under this justice department, we will continue to protect American students from discriminatory and illegal preferences in admissions – especially in professions as critical as medicine, where quality of training should be the top priority,” Dhillon added.
According to the DoJ, the investigations will examine whether the schools – all of which receive federal funding – comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act which prohibits discrimination.
The DoJ’s civil rights division stated that it has not reached any conclusions regarding the investigations.
The DoJ has not publicly identified which schools it is investigating. However, following its findings against UCLA and Yale last month, the two universities defended their admissions records. UCLA’s David Geffen school of medicine said that its admissions process is “based on merit” and that it is committed to complying with state and federal laws.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Yale said: “The students admitted to Yale school of medicine demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and personal commitment; its program of medical education encourages curiosity and critical thinking, and its graduates go on to become leaders in clinical care, research, and public service.”
Since retaking office last January, Donald Trump has increased scrutiny of college admissions, alleging that universities are finding ways to factor race into enrollment decisions despite the supreme court’s prohibiting affirmative action.
Q&A
What prompted the DoJ to investigate 15 medical schools?
The investigations were prompted by allegations of potential race discrimination in the admissions processes of these schools.
Which medical schools are being investigated by the DoJ?
The specific 15 medical schools have not been named, but the investigations follow findings against UCLA and Yale.
What does Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibit?
Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.
What are the potential consequences for medical schools found in violation of admissions laws?
Medical schools found in violation may face federal sanctions, including the loss of federal funding.
