The US government under Donald Trump has accused Yale University of discriminating against white and Asian applicants, citing alleged discriminatory practices in admissions. The Department of Justice announced on Thursday, May 14, that Yale’s medical school had shown bias against white and Asian candidates in a probe into diversity practices. This is part of Trump’s campaign against US universities, accusing them of promoting a “woke” ideology that conservatives criticize as too progressive and inclusive.
According to the Justice Department, internal documents from Yale indicate that the institution intentionally selected candidates based on their race. They allege that black and Hispanic students are more likely to be admitted than white or Asian students with similar test scores.
The Department also claims that Yale has failed to comply with a Supreme Court ruling in 2023 that found affirmative action policies in universities illegal. They accuse Yale of continuing to practice admissions based on the candidates’ backgrounds. The Department stated that they intend to reach a settlement with the university before considering legal action.
Last week, Trump’s administration launched a similar attack on the medical school at the University of California, Los Angeles. As part of Trump’s broader efforts to control liberal-leaning educational institutions, he has used federal funds as leverage to negotiate changes in their programs, enrollment policies, and overall functioning.
The Republican administration has also cut or frozen funding for university research as part of broader budget cuts since taking office in January 2025. Yale University, established in New Haven, Connecticut, in the early 18th century, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in the US.
