The US Department of Justice has accused Yale University of illegally using race in admissions to its medical school, marking the second such allegation against an institution this month. In a letter to Yale's lawyer, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated that an investigation found Black and Hispanic applicants had significantly higher admission chances than white or Asian students with similar academic credentials.
The department cited data from the incoming classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025, showing disparities in grade-point averages and test scores. For example, in the most recent class, Black students had a median GPA of 3.88 and MCAT scores in the 95th percentile, while Asian and white students had median GPAs of 3.98 and 3.97 respectively, with MCAT scores in the 100th percentile.
Dhillon's letter alleged that Yale's holistic admissions process allowed race to be a factor, violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The department is seeking a voluntary resolution agreement but warned it could take legal action if compliance is not achieved.
Yale defended its admissions process, stating that students demonstrate exceptional achievement and that the school is confident in its rigorous methods. The university said it would review the department's letter carefully.
The action follows a 2023 Supreme Court decision banning affirmative action in college admissions, and a similar notification to UCLA's medical school last week. The Trump administration has intensified scrutiny of race-conscious admissions since President Donald Trump returned to office.
