Trump DOJ targets UC Berkeley Law over enrollment of Black applicants

Trump DOJ targets UC Berkeley Law over enrollment of Black applicants A joint probe by the two federal departments whose findings were announced on Wednesday marked the latest crackdown on diversity initiatives in universities - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Federal officials from the Justice and Education Departments alleged on Wednesday that admissions procedures at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law intentionally favored Black applicants while discriminating against white and Asian candidates. The announcement of the joint federal investigation marks the newest effort by President Donald Trump's administration to dismantle diversity initiatives across American higher education institutions. Government officials claimed that the law school deploys "race, essay prompts, and other tactics to further its admissions diversity goals." However, Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law, pushed back on Wednesday, asserting that the institution's "admissions policy is clear that race is not considered in any way in admissions decisions." UC Berkeley's central administration added that the university "will spare no effort to provide ample evidence" demonstrating full compliance with every law, rule, and policy that regulates student admissions. The crackdown aligns with broader actions by Trump, who views diversity measures as discriminatory against men and white people while undermining merit. He has signed executive directives to end such programs, whereas civil rights advocates argue these practices are essential to address historical disparities faced by women, the LGBT community, and ethnic minorities. Collegiate affirmative action was previously invalidated in 2023 when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down race-conscious admissions programs at both Harvard and the University of North Carolina. Detailing its allegations, the Trump administration stated: "The data produced by Berkeley Law demonstrates a strong bias against Asian and white applicants, with a corresponding bias in favor of Black applicants," claiming that Black candidates had 5.8 times greater odds of admission than comparable white applicants in 2025. According to enrollment figures from October 2025, the law school had 1,128 enrolled students, comprising 516 white students, 293 Asian students, and 51 Black students. The Department of Justice confirmed that it is seeking a voluntary resolution agreement with Berkeley Law. The probe is part of a wider campaign by the administration targeting several higher education institutions over their admissions criteria. Trump has also subjected universities to inquiries and potential funding suspensions over pro-Palestinian campus protests regarding Israel's military campaign in Gaza, as well as policies on climate change, diversity, and transgender rights, raising alarms over academic freedom, due process, and free speech. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments