DOJ Finds Duke Law Discriminated in Admissions

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has concluded that Duke Law School discriminated against applicants based on race and national origin during its admissions process. This finding stems from a DOJ investigation initiated after receiving a complaint alleging that the law school's admissions practices violated federal civil rights laws. The investigation, which concluded on August 7, 2026, focused on the period between the fall of 2014 and the spring of 2020. During this time, the DOJ found that Duke Law School's admissions committee considered race and national origin as determinative factors in admissions decisions, rather than as one factor among many. This practice is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. Duke Law School receives federal funding, making it subject to Title VI.

According to the DOJ's findings, the admissions committee at Duke Law School employed a system that appeared to favor applicants from certain racial and ethnic groups, while disadvantaging others. The department's review of admissions data and internal documents indicated that race was a significant consideration, leading to disparate treatment of applicants. The DOJ stated that while universities can consider the diversity of their student body, the methods used by Duke Law School went beyond permissible limits. The investigation did not find evidence of intentional discrimination based on sex or disability. The DOJ has engaged in discussions with Duke Law School to address these findings and ensure future compliance with federal civil rights laws. The department indicated that it is working with the school to implement corrective actions that will prevent future discrimination and promote equitable admissions practices. The specific details of these corrective actions are still under discussion, but the DOJ emphasized its commitment to upholding civil rights in higher education admissions.

This investigation into Duke Law School's admissions practices is part of a broader effort by the DOJ to scrutinize affirmative action policies and ensure that universities are not engaging in unlawful discrimination. Following the Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina, which limited the use of race in college admissions, federal agencies have been reviewing admissions policies across various institutions. The DOJ's findings at Duke Law School highlight the continued scrutiny of admissions processes that may consider race in ways that are deemed unlawful. The department has not yet announced any formal legal action against Duke Law School, but it reserves the right to take further steps if the school does not adequately address the identified issues. The outcome of these discussions will likely set a precedent for how other law schools and universities approach diversity and admissions in the post-affirmative action era.