President Donald Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Thursday that it is launching investigations into several California universities to ensure compliance with the 2023 Supreme Court decision banning affirmative action in college admissions. The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division will review admissions practices at Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, the University of California, Los Angeles, and the University of California, Irvine.
Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the administration’s commitment to eliminating race-based admissions policies. “President Trump and I are dedicated to ending illegal discrimination and restoring merit-based opportunity across the country,” Bondi stated. “Every student in America deserves to be judged solely based on their hard work, intellect, and character, not the color of their skin.”
The DOJ did not specify the trigger for these investigations but pointed to longstanding concerns about racial quotas and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives influencing college admissions. A press release from the DOJ criticized past administrations for failing to address race-based discrimination, asserting that elite institutions have historically prioritized racial preferences over equal opportunity.
Acting Associate Attorney General Chad Mizelle warned that universities found violating the Supreme Court ruling will face consequences. “Every college and university should know that illegal discrimination in admissions will be investigated and eliminated,” Mizelle said.
The DOJ’s action follows the Department of Education’s (DoE) recent investigations into 45 universities for alleged race-based admissions policies. Schools found violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act—which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in education programs—could risk losing federal funding.
