UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine Accused of Discriminating Against White and Asian American Applicants: DOJ Investigation Reveals Racial Bias in Admissions

UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine Accused of Discriminating Against White and Asian American Applicants: DOJ Investigation Reveals Racial Bias in Admissions

UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine has been accused by the U.S. Department of Justice of discriminating against applicants based on their race, specifically targeting white and Asian Americans over the past three years. The department alleges that the medical school continued to practice intentional discrimination even after the Supreme Court's decision in the Harvard case, which prohibited race-conscious admissions but allowed consideration of race in essays. UCLA has not yet responded to the DOJ's report.

The DOJ's investigation, conducted under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, found that UCLA leadership intentionally selected applicants based on their race, believing that patients receive better care when treated by doctors of the same race. The department also noted that admitted Black and Hispanic applicants had lower median MCAT scores and GPAs compared to white and Asian American applicants. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon stated that UCLA's admissions process prioritized racial demographics over merit and excellence, calling racism in admissions illegal and anti-American.

This latest action by the Justice Department against UCLA is part of a series of probes into alleged wrongdoing at UC and its academic health centers. Last August, the DOJ demanded a $1.2 billion settlement from UCLA for violating federal law in admissions, among other issues. The department's letter to UCLA referenced internal emails and training materials that allegedly instructed admissions committees to prioritize applicants who identify as BIPOC. The DOJ also accused Jennifer Lucero, the medical school's associate dean of admissions, of using intimidation tactics to pressure the admissions committee to consider race unlawfully.

The findings from the DOJ's investigation align with a lawsuit filed in January by the Trump administration, which accused the medical school of a "systemically racist approach" favoring Black and Latino applicants. UCLA, bound by Prop. 209 to not consider race in admissions, stated that it does not comment on pending litigation. The department is seeking a voluntary resolution with UCLA but is prepared to take legal action if necessary.

In conclusion, the U.S. Department of Justice has alleged that UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine engaged in discriminatory admissions practices based on race, targeting white and Asian American applicants. The department's findings indicate that UCLA leadership intentionally selected applicants based on race and prioritized racial demographics over merit. The DOJ is seeking a resolution with UCLA but is prepared to pursue legal action if needed.