The Trump administration has initiated a federal investigation into Duke University and the Duke Law Journal over allegations of race-based discrimination in their editor selection process. The U.S. Departments of Education and Health, led by Linda McMahon and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., respectively, sent a joint letter to Duke’s leadership urging a review of race-based preferences in hiring, admissions, and scholarships. The probe is part of a broader federal scrutiny of universities allegedly promoting policies favoring diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), as well as other initiatives such as climate action, transgender policies, and pro-Palestinian protests. The administration has linked these efforts to supposed bias against white people and men—claims dismissed by rights advocates. Duke University has not yet responded publicly to the investigation. The government has also taken action against Harvard University on similar grounds, with Harvard challenging frozen federal funds in court. Rights groups have raised concerns that the administration’s efforts may threaten free speech and academic freedom.
The investigation focuses on claims that the Duke Law Journal used race, color, and national origin as factors in selecting law journal members. Additionally, the administration accused the university of employing racial preferences in hiring practices, admissions, and scholarship decisions. The Departments of Education and Health have urged Duke to review its policies and create a panel to address the alleged civil rights violations. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, and national origin in education programs receiving federal funding. Institutions found in violation can face loss of federal funding.
This action against Duke University is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to investigate universities for alleged race-based discrimination. In March 2025, the Department of Education opened investigations into 45 universities over alleged race-based preferences and policies. The investigations were prompted by allegations that these institutions violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by partnering with “The Ph.D. Project,” an organization that supports underrepresented students pursuing business degrees. The Department of Education claimed that the program “limits eligibility based on the race of participants.” The universities under investigation include Arizona State University, Cornell University, Duke University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), New York University (NYU), and Yale University, among others.
The Trump administration’s crackdown on DEI initiatives has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that these efforts threaten free speech and academic freedom, while proponents contend that they are necessary to ensure merit-based opportunities and address systemic inequalities. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for university policies and federal funding.
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