UCLA medical school illegally used race in admissions, Department of Justice says

Key Points:

• The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine illegally used race as a factor in admissions, favoring Black and Hispanic applicants over white and Asian American students, based on a year-long investigation.
• DOJ evidence includes data showing lower average GPAs and test scores among admitted Black and Hispanic students compared to white and Asian applicants, suggesting the use of non-academic factors to meet diversity goals.
• UCLA denies the allegations, stating its admissions process is merit-based and complies with federal and state laws, while the DOJ plans to sue the school if a voluntary resolution is not reached.
• The investigation aligns with the Trump administration's broader efforts to scrutinize race considerations in college admissions following the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that banned affirmative action.
• Potential consequences for UCLA include loss of federal funding, and the case adds to ongoing legal battles over affirmative action policies nationwide, with some states and institutions challenging the administration's approach.