On Monday, the Trump administration announced it would launch two investigations targeting Harvard University and the Harvard Law Review, following allegations that the esteemed legal journal was reportedly selecting articles based on the race of the authors rather than on their scholarly merit.
This development arises amid an ongoing conflict between the administration and Harvard, particularly concerning the administration’s demands for the university to implement several changes. These include the dismantling of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and an examination of international students for any potential ideological biases.
Previously, the Trump administration had decided to withhold $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard, citing concerns related to antisemitism on campus and other issues impacting the university community.
The investigations, announced by the civil rights offices of both the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, aim to assess allegations of discriminatory practices within the Harvard Law Review regarding its journal membership and article selection processes.
According to a joint statement from the departments, “The investigations stem from information received about policies and practices that may violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.” The statement referenced reports indicating that one of the Law Review’s editors expressed concern that “four of the five people” wishing to respond to an article on police reform were “white men.”
Additionally, another editor reportedly suggested that a submission should receive expedited consideration due to the author’s minority status.
Craig Trainor, the acting assistant secretary for civil rights at the Education Department, commented, “The article selection process at the Harvard Law Review seems to favor certain applicants based on their race, creating a system in which the author’s identity may overshadow the quality of their work.”
“Title VI’s requirements are clear: institutions receiving federal financial assistance cannot engage in discrimination based on race, color, or national origin,” Trainor emphasized. “No institution, regardless of its prestige, can operate above the law. The Trump Administration is committed to ensuring that Harvard, alongside all federal fund recipients, uphold civil rights for everyone.”
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