The Justice Department says UCLA School of Law unlawfully used race in admissions for the classes entering in 2023, 2024 and 2025. The finding extends the Trump administration's campaign against university diversity practices, because apparently law school needed another mandatory course called Federal Culture War Procedure.
Investigators allege UCLA used a two-tiered system that benefited Black and Hispanic applicants over white and Asian American candidates. They also say admissions events encouraged applicants to disclose race through personal essays after direct racial preferences were barred.
The university disputes the accusation
UCLA says it uses a comprehensive, merit-based process and complies with both federal law and California's longstanding prohibition on affirmative action. A Justice Department finding is not itself a court judgment.
The 2023 Supreme Court decision ended most explicit consideration of race in college admissions while allowing schools to consider how an applicant's individual experiences shaped character or achievement.
The boundary is now the entire fight
Universities may evaluate personal adversity, leadership and lived experience, but cannot use essays as a disguised racial checkbox. Determining when contextual review becomes unlawful preference will drive the next round of litigation.
The department may seek a voluntary resolution or sue. Either way, admissions officers will be reading essays while a platoon of lawyers reads over their shoulders.
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Dana Side-Eye
Receipts, Rumors & Internet NonsenseDana reads the fine print, checks the timeline, and keeps one eyebrow permanently raised. She covers viral claims, internet pile-ons, and suspiciously convenient explanations.
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