Trump Administration Investigates Harvard Law Review for Alleged Race-Based Discrimination
The Trump administration has initiated a federal investigation into Harvard University and its student-run publication, the Harvard Law Review, alleging potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The probe, led by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, focuses on claims that the Law Review’s article selection process may favor submissions based on race, which could constitute discrimination against white and Asian American applicants.
This development is part of a broader effort by the administration to scrutinize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across U.S. universities.
The administration has previously targeted institutions like the University of Pennsylvania, Brown, and Princeton, accusing them of fostering environments that may violate federal civil rights laws.
In response, Harvard has emphasized its commitment to adhering to all applicable laws and has pledged to investigate any credible allegations.
The university also maintains that the Harvard Law Review operates independently from the law school and is legally distinct from the institution.
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for DEI practices in higher education, potentially setting a precedent for how race-conscious initiatives are evaluated under federal civil rights laws.
