Yale Medical School is Accused of Discrimination Based on Race

Yale Medical School Accused of Race-Based Admissions Practices

A recent press release from the Department of Justice (DOJ), dated May 14, brings to light allegations against Yale School of Medicine for intentionally choosing applicants based on their race. It claims that the university has explored methods to utilize racial proxies to bypass a Supreme Court ruling that prohibits the use of race in admissions.

The DOJ’s year-long investigation indicated that black and Hispanic applicants typically exhibit lower academic performance compared to their white and Asian counterparts. This was outlined in a letter that detailed the findings, suggesting that Yale’s admissions procedures violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, especially in light of the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2023 regarding Harvard’s admissions practices. The university is suspected of engaging in race-based discrimination in selecting students for the incoming classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025. Title VI authorizes the DOJ to carry out compliance reviews and conduct investigations related to organizations receiving federal aid.

The DOJ requested additional information from Yale on September 29, 2025, and the university provided a range of documents. Reports revealed that while admissions officers receive guidance regarding race, this information is not formally documented. Moreover, training sessions for admissions committees reportedly referenced institutions in states like California to illustrate ways to work around the Supreme Court ruling, given California’s prior ban on race-based admissions.

The letter suggested that presentations included discussions on how the University of California, Davis adjusted its socio-economic advantage bonus to elevate the representation of underrepresented minorities in medicine from 10.7% to 22.7%. Data from 2023 indicated that white and Asian students achieved higher GPAs and MCAT scores than black and Hispanic students. Specifically, while white and Asian students scored in the 99th percentile on the MCAT, black and Hispanic students scored in the 94th and 95th percentiles, respectively.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon commented on the findings, stating, “Yale University has continued its race-based admissions program despite clear mandates from the Supreme Court and the public for reform. Our department will continue to shine a light on these illegal practices and demand that institutions of higher education comply with federal law.”

In response, Yale indicated it would review the DOJ’s letter. The university emphasized in a statement that students admitted to its medical school display exemplary academic achievements and dedication, and that its educational approach fosters curiosity and critical thinking, preparing graduates for leadership roles in various fields.