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Federal officials opened or advanced new reviews involving Duke University, San Jose State University and San Francisco State University as the Trump administration broadens its examination of race-conscious admissions, campus antisemitism allegations and university diversity policies.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
The Trump administration expanded its scrutiny of U.S. universities Thursday, targeting schools over admissions practices, diversity policies and the handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus.
The latest actions involved separate federal inquiries into Duke University School of Law, San Jose State University and San Francisco State University, continuing a broader administration effort to challenge university policies it considers discriminatory or insufficiently responsive to antisemitism complaints.
At Duke, the Department of Justice alleged that the law school’s admissions process favored Black and Hispanic applicants over white and Asian applicants with comparable academic qualifications.
The department said its conclusions were based on findings from a federal investigation and alleged that Duke Law “emphasized racial diversity in admissions.”
According to the DOJ, “a Black or Hispanic applicant has a substantially higher likelihood of admission to Duke Law than a white or Asian applicant with the same academic credentials.”
Federal officials said they are seeking to resolve the matter through a voluntary agreement with the university.
Duke said it was reviewing the Justice Department’s letter and maintained that its practices would remain within legal requirements.
“Duke is committed to complying with the law and will continue to do so in a manner that is consistent with our academic mission,” the university said.
The Duke matter follows similar allegations made this year by the Justice Department concerning medical school admissions at the University of California and Yale University.
Those schools have said their admissions practices are based on merit.
President Donald Trump has argued that diversity-based policies can undermine merit-based decision-making and discriminate against white applicants and men. His administration has issued orders aimed at dismantling such practices across federal institutions and other areas subject to government oversight.
Supporters of diversity policies argue that those programs are intended to address historic inequalities affecting marginalized groups.
The dispute over race in college admissions follows the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision rejecting affirmative action in higher education. In that ruling, the court struck down race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.
Separate from the admissions inquiry, the Department of Education said Thursday that it is investigating San Jose State University and San Francisco State University over their responses to pro-Palestinian demonstrations and allegations of antisemitism on their campuses.
The department said it received complaints alleging that the universities failed to adequately respond to antisemitism accusations.
Federal officials cited reports of hostility toward Jewish students, the appearance of “antisemitic graffiti” and pro-Palestinian demonstrations that the department said interfered with classes.
Both universities have publicly condemned discrimination in all forms, including antisemitism and Islamophobia.
The Trump administration has repeatedly characterized some pro-Palestinian demonstrations as antisemitic and has accused participants of supporting extremist organizations.
Protesters and civil liberties advocates dispute that characterization. Some Jewish groups participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations have argued that the government improperly treats criticism of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza and its occupation of Palestinian territories as antisemitism, while also portraying advocacy for Palestinian rights as support for extremism.
The administration’s higher education campaign has extended beyond protests and admissions policies.
Trump officials have also targeted universities over diversity initiatives, transgender policies and climate-related programs, while using investigations and the threat of suspended federal funding as leverage to demand changes.
Those actions have prompted concerns from critics about free speech protections, due process and academic freedom.
Education Secretary Linda McMahon added to that pressure Monday when she called on universities to commit to a series of reforms by the end of 2026.
The National Education Association, the country’s largest teachers’ union, responded by urging universities to reject McMahon’s request.
Thursday’s actions further expanded the number of institutions facing federal scrutiny as the administration continues challenging university admissions standards, diversity programs and responses to political protests on campus.
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