DOJ Finds UC San Diego Medical School Engaged in Racial Discrimination
Justice Department reveals medical school used race as a factor in admissions, violating civil rights laws.
1Justice Department's Findings
The U.S. Department of Justice determined that UC San Diego School of Medicine discriminated against white and Asian applicants while favoring Black and Hispanic candidates. This practice violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling. The DOJ aims to reach a voluntary resolution agreement with the university.
2Data-Proven Discrimination
DOJ analysis showed Black applicants were admitted at more than double the rate of white applicants for three consecutive years. For the 2025 class, Black and Hispanic admits had a median MCAT score of 510 (79th percentile), compared to 516 (92nd) for white and 519 (96th) for Asian students. This gap reportedly widened post-SFFA decision.
3Flaws in Admissions Process
The school used 'hardship' questions as a racial proxy, sorting applicants by MCAT/GPA into three groups, then subdividing by hardship categories. Reviewers had access to race data during interview selection. Internal documents revealed intentional selection of lower-scoring minority candidates to maintain diversity after race-neutral policies.
4Growing Pattern of Cases
This marks the second UC medical school found discriminatory within two months, following UC Davis in June 2026. Yale Medical School also faces similar allegations through 2025. These cases signal increased DOJ enforcement post-SFFA, particularly targeting medical schools' diversity initiatives that may overstep legal boundaries.
5Federal Funding at Stake
UC San Diego's $14.6 million in federal education grants gives the DOJ leverage. If voluntary compliance isn't achieved, the department will sue. This scrutiny coincides with changing financial landscapes for med students, as federal loan programs face restructuring and private borrowing becomes more necessary.
6Higher Education at a Crossroads
This case clarifies limits on race-conscious policies in admissions. Medical schools must now balance diversity goals with legal requirements, setting a precedent for other institutions. The DOJ's aggressive stance indicates ongoing scrutiny of affirmative action workarounds in post-SFFA America.