Trump Administration Probes Race in Admissions at 3 Medical Schools

Investigations target Stanford, Ohio State, and UC San Diego medical schools

Mar. 27, 2026 at 2:09am

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The Trump administration has opened investigations into how race is considered in admissions at three medical schools - Stanford University, Ohio State, and the University of California, San Diego. The Justice Department is seeking documents and data related to the use of race in the admissions process at these schools.

Why it matters

This is the latest move in the Trump administration's ongoing campaign against the use of affirmative action in college admissions. The investigations ratchet up the pressure on universities, which the administration has accused of being overrun by liberal influence.

The details

The Justice Department's assistant attorney general for civil rights, Harmeet Dhillon, announced the investigations on Wednesday. In letters to the schools, the department is requesting documents and applicant-level data related to the use of race in admissions decisions going back to 2019. The schools have said they are reviewing the requests and will respond appropriately.

  • The investigations were opened on March 26, 2026.
  • The Justice Department's letters to the schools were sent on March 26, 2026.

The players

Harmeet Dhillon

The Justice Department's assistant attorney general for civil rights, who announced the investigations.

Donald Trump

The President who has been ramping up scrutiny of universities, which he has accused of being overrun by liberal influence.

Stanford University

One of the medical schools targeted in the Justice Department's investigations.

Ohio State

One of the medical schools targeted in the Justice Department's investigations.

University of California, San Diego

One of the medical schools targeted in the Justice Department's investigations.

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What they’re saying

“We've received the attached letter and will respond appropriately.”

— Benjamin Johnson, Ohio State spokesperson

“UC San Diego is committed to fair processes in all of our programs and activities, including admissions, consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws.”

— UC San Diego

“Stanford School of Medicine prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.”

— Cecilia Arradaza, Stanford School of Medicine spokesperson

What’s next

The medical schools have indicated they will review the Justice Department's requests and respond appropriately. The outcome of the investigations remains to be seen.

The takeaway

This latest move by the Trump administration highlights the ongoing debate over the use of race in college admissions. While the schools have stated their commitment to fair and non-discriminatory processes, the investigations underscore the administration's efforts to limit the consideration of race in higher education.