DOJ Threatens Lawsuit Against Duke University Law School Over Alleged Race-Based Admissions

The U.S. Department of Justice has accused Duke University School of Law of illegally considering race in its admissions process and says it could file a federal lawsuit if the university does not agree to resolve the matter voluntarily.

According to the Justice Department, a federal investigation found that Duke Law favored Black and Hispanic applicants over white and Asian applicants with similar academic qualifications in its 2023, 2024, and 2025 admissions cycles. The DOJ alleges the school’s practices violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits racial discrimination by institutions receiving federal funding.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said the department believes Duke Law continued to use race-based preferences despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling that largely ended affirmative action in college admissions. The DOJ is seeking a voluntary settlement but has warned that it is prepared to pursue legal action if negotiations fail.

Duke University said it is reviewing the Justice Department’s findings and remains committed to complying with federal law while carrying out its academic mission. The university has not admitted any wrongdoing.

The case is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to scrutinize university admissions policies following the Supreme Court’s affirmative action decision. Federal officials have also launched similar investigations involving other higher education institutions across the country.

If the parties fail to reach an agreement, the dispute could become one of the most closely watched legal battles over college admissions since the Supreme Court’s landmark 2023 decision.