The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights announced on July 22 that it has launched investigations into five medical schools across the country for alleged racial discrimination in admissions. The investigations will determine whether these institutions violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
The schools under investigation are Dartmouth College Geisel School of Medicine, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, and William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine. These actions are part of a joint effort with the Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division to advance President Trump’s mission to eliminate racial discrimination in medical school admissions processes nationwide.
Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said, “Your race should not decide whether or not you can study medicine, yet many schools seem to be more focused on meeting racial quotas than selecting individuals who have earned entrance based on merit. Schools that engage in such admissions policies are not only violating the law, but they are also undermining the fundamental principles of fairness and meritocracy that define our nation. The Trump Administration is holding schools to account for their reported discriminatory behavior and will ensure a future where students are once again rewarded for their hard work and achievement, not prejudged by the color of their skin.”
Following his second inauguration, President Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at restoring merit-based opportunity and ending illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion preferences in higher education. In August 2025, another Executive Order was signed to ensure transparency in college admissions processes.
As a result of these policies, over 300 colleges and universities have eliminated DEI requirements or offices; prominent examples include Harvard University and Stanford University among others. At least 45 institutions have removed DEI statements from programs or websites; at least 15 have ended use of diversity statements in hiring; at least 95 have restructured faculty roles related to DEI; at least 175 have restructured or removed DEI offices; several universities canceled affinity graduation ceremonies; and dozens ceased partnerships with organizations found noncompliant with Title VI.
In June 2026, the Department of Justice announced additional investigations into potential race discrimination within medical school admissions processes.