DOJ Accuses UCLA Law of Racial Discrimination in Admissions

The Justice Department says UCLA School of Law illegally considered race in admissions and discriminated against white and Asian applicants in its incoming classes from 2023 through 2025, in violation of federal civil rights law and the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling restricting race-conscious admissions. The department alleges that application essays and personal statements were used to elicit racial information, and that admissions staff advised applicants on disclosing their race during recruitment events. UCLA rejects the allegation, saying admissions decisions follow a comprehensive, merit-based process that complies with applicable law. The investigation is part of broader federal scrutiny of university admissions practices.