UCLA medical school faces federal investigation for alleged race discrimination

In March 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services commenced a civil rights investigation into the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. This probe aims to determine if the medical school's admissions practices discriminate based on race, particularly if black and Latino applicants are held to lower standards compared to their white and Asian peers. The investigation follows multiple whistleblower reports alleging informal admissions practices that prioritize certain racial groups over others. UCLA’s administration has been accused of failing to comply with federal law by using race as a criteria in the admissions process even under scrutiny from the Trump administration. Less than two weeks after the investigation was announced, UCLA reportedly instructed its admissions officers to implement a race-based selection process. A memo circulated by the medical school detailed that the admissions committee should ensure representation from individuals identifying as BIPOC and LGBTQ+. Critics, including civil rights lawyers, have described these practices as potentially illegal and an explicit violation of federal policies regarding nondiscrimination in education. The memo suggested a systemic approach towards admissions that prioritizes racial diversity at the risk of academic merit. Alongside the federal inquiry, several legal actions have emerged, including lawsuits filed by the Students for Fair Admissions and Do No Harm organizations. These suits claim that the medical school has engaged in race discrimination, impacting applicants' chances based on their ethnic backgrounds rather than qualifications. The complaints cite internal communications and statistical evidence that suggest racial balancing efforts have been in place at the medical school, affecting admissions from 2020 through 2023. As the legal battles continue, UCLA's reputation as an institution committed to diversity faces serious challenges. Opponents of the admissions practices argue that the focus on race undermines academic standards and may lead to an increase in unqualified students. The allegations have drawn significant media attention, and responses from the university have been limited. The outcome of the investigations and legal challenges may redefine admissions protocols at UCLA and set a precedent for other higher education institutions across the country.