A recent investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that the University of California–Los Angeles (UCLA) allegedly used applicants’ race to discriminate against white and Asian candidates in its medical school admissions process.
The DOJ’s Civil Rights Division released a seven-page letter accusing UCLA of intentionally discriminating against applicants based on their race, even after a Supreme Court decision in 2023 that restricted race-conscious admissions. The agency cited a previous case, Students for Fair Admissions vs. Harvard, which prohibited race-based admissions programs but still allowed schools to consider race in essays.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated, “Racism in admissions is both illegal and anti-American, and this Department will not allow it to continue.”
In response, the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA defended its admissions process, claiming it is based on merit and a thorough review of each applicant. The school stated that it is committed to providing equal opportunity to all qualified students and complying with federal and state laws.
The DOJ issued a letter to the medical school in May 2025, notifying officials of their failure to comply with federal civil rights law for the 2023, 2024, and 2025 classes. The department has the authority to conduct compliance reviews of institutions that receive federal funding.
The investigation found that UCLA’s medical school used different academic metrics to favor black and Hispanic applicants over other racial groups. If UCLA does not voluntarily change its practices, the DOJ may seek enforcement through the courts.
Additionally, UCLA’s medical school is facing a class-action lawsuit filed by Do No Harm, a nonprofit organization opposed to discriminatory ideologies in healthcare. The lawsuit alleges that the school has ignored federal law by discriminating against applicants based on race.