Investigative probe initiated by Trump administration targeting Duke University and Duke Law Journal
Duke University Under Federal Investigation for Alleged Racial Discrimination
Duke University and its Duke Law Journal are currently under investigation by the U.S. Departments of Education and Health and Human Services for alleged racial discrimination. The investigation, which was announced on Monday, is based on reports of race-based criteria being used in admissions, hiring, scholarships, mentoring, student journal selection, and other programs [1][2][3][4][5].
The Duke Law Journal’s 2024 editor selection process is under scrutiny, with allegations that additional points were awarded to applicants based on racial or ethnic identity. This practice, which considers "membership in an underrepresented group" and leadership in affinity organizations, raises concerns of unlawful racial preferences under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 [2]. Duke’s medical school and associated health programs are also being investigated for "systemic racial discrimination" including recruitment, admissions, financial aid, and promotion practices [2][3][5].
In response to these allegations, federal agencies have sent Duke formal letters demanding the university review and reform all policies involving the use of race preferences that may be illegal. Duke is required to provide clear and verifiable assurances of compliance, and undertake organizational changes to ensure reforms are durable. Duke has a limited timeframe—10 days for initial response to the Education Department and 20 business days to respond to Health and Human Services—to cooperate or risk losing substantial federal funding, including a freeze of $108 million in grants to Duke's medical school and health system [1][3][4][5].
Education Secretary Linda McMahon stated that if Duke is found to give illegal preferential treatment based on immutable characteristics like race, it violates civil rights law and meritocratic academic standards [1]. The investigations form part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies in education, which they argue prioritize race and gender over merit [1].
The investigation is still ongoing, with Duke under significant pressure to demonstrate compliance with federal civil rights law and cease any race-based preferential treatment that could be deemed unlawful [1][2][3][4][5]. Duke University has not yet offered an immediate comment in response to a CNN request.
Table: Key Aspects and Allegations
| Aspect | Allegation | Duke’s Response/Status | |------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | Duke Law Journal | Race-based scoring in editor selection process | Investigation ongoing; required to reform practices | | Medical School and Health | Systemic racial discrimination in admissions, hiring, scholarships, promotions | Required to review policies, submit documentation, reform | | Federal Actions | Investigation launched; $108M federal funding freeze threatened | Duke must respond within tight deadlines, cooperate fully | | Federal Position | Any illegal racial preferences violate Title VI and meritocratic principles | Emphasis on ending discriminatory practices |
This developing story will be updated as more information becomes available.
CNN has also reached out to the Duke Law Journal for comment.The administration has battled Harvard University over the administration's $2 billion freeze in federal funding for research.CNN's Betsy Klein contributed to this report.The assurances include making all necessary organizational, leadership, and personnel changes to ensure the necessary reforms will be durable.
The Duke Law Journal's selection process for its 2024 editor, which reportedly awards additional points based on racial or ethnic identity, is under scrutiny due to allegations of unlawful racial preferences, raising questions about adherence to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Duke University is currently under a federal investigation for alleged systemic racial discrimination in its medical school and associated health programs, including recruitment, admissions, financial aid, and promotions.
