Justice Dept. Finds UCLA Medical School Illegally Used Race in Admissions

May 7, 2026

The Justice Department determined that UCLA's medical school violated federal law by using race as a factor in student admissions, despite such practices being banned by a 2023 Supreme Court decision. The investigation, part of broader Trump administration efforts to scrutinize college admission processes, found that the school discriminated against white and Asian American applicants by giving preference to Black and Hispanic students. Evidence included disparities in average GPAs and test scores among admitted students from different racial groups, as well as application questions about marginalized group membership.

Who is affected

White and Asian American medical school applicants who were denied admission
Black and Hispanic applicants to UCLA's medical school
The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Students currently enrolled or applying to UCLA's medical school
Other medical schools under investigation (Stanford, Ohio State, and UC San Diego)
Selective colleges facing similar scrutiny over undergraduate admissions
The University of California system

What action is being taken

The Justice Department is conducting a year-long investigation into UCLA's medical school admissions
The Trump administration is ramping up scrutiny of colleges' admission processes
UCLA's medical school is reviewing the Justice Department findings
The Justice Department has opened investigations into medical school admissions at Stanford, Ohio State, and UC San Diego
A coalition of 17 Democratic state attorneys general has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's data collection policy

Why it matters

This case represents a significant enforcement action following the 2023 Supreme Court ban on affirmative action in college admissions. It signals aggressive federal oversight of how universities achieve diversity goals and sets precedent for how personal statements and other application materials will be scrutinized for potential race-based considerations. The outcome could fundamentally reshape admission practices at medical schools and other selective programs nationwide, potentially affecting diversity levels at these institutions. The findings also highlight ongoing tension between federal enforcement priorities and state-level diversity efforts, particularly in California where affirmative action was already banned by voters in 1997.

What's next

The Justice Department finding sets the stage for either a voluntary resolution to bring UCLA into compliance with the department's legal interpretation, or if no agreement can be reached, potential legal action with penalties that could include loss of federal funding.

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint