UCLA medical school illegally uses race in admissions, Justice Department investigation says
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine intentionally discriminated against white and Asian American applicants based on race during admissions over the past three years, violating federal law.
- The DOJ's investigation, conducted under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, found that UCLA prioritized racial demographics over merit, with admitted Black and Latino applicants having lower average MCAT scores and GPAs than admitted white and Asian American applicants.
- UCLA denies the allegations, asserting its admissions process is merit-based, comprehensive, and compliant with federal and state laws, while reviewing the DOJ's report carefully.
- The DOJ's letter cited internal UCLA documents and alleged pressure tactics by the associate dean of admissions to consider race unlawfully, and the department seeks a voluntary resolution but may pursue legal action if necessary.
- This action is part of broader federal scrutiny of race-conscious admissions practices at several medical schools, including UC San Diego and Stanford, amid ongoing lawsuits and investigations into alleged discriminatory admissions policies.
