Feds Probe Duke for Alleged Bias Against White Applicants in Law Journal, Health Programs

Trump Administration’s Crackdown on DEI Sparks Investigation into Duke’s Practices

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights launched a probe into Duke University and its Law Journal on July 28, 2025, alleging racial discrimination in editor selection, violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.

Reports claim Duke’s 2024 Law Journal process awarded extra points to applicants from affinity groups for referencing race, with rubrics allegedly shared only with select groups.

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Simultaneously, Education Secretary Linda McMahon and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanded Duke form a “Merit and Civil Rights Committee” to address systemic race-based preferences in hiring, admissions, and scholarships at Duke Health.

The investigation, driven by Executive Order 14173, could jeopardize Duke’s federal funding.

This probe, following similar actions against Harvard, signals a broader Trump administration push against DEI, raising concerns about academic freedom and equity in elite institutions.