DOJ Investigates William & Mary Over Admissions

The U.S. Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the admissions practices of William & Mary, a public research university located in Williamsburg, Virginia. This inquiry focuses on allegations that the university's admissions process may involve race-based discrimination, a practice that has faced increased scrutiny following recent Supreme Court rulings. The investigation was confirmed on August 18, 2026, by Inside Higher Ed, which cited sources familiar with the matter. This action places William & Mary among a growing number of institutions facing federal scrutiny over their diversity and inclusion efforts in student admissions.

The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division is leading the investigation. While the specific details of the allegations remain confidential, the probe is understood to be examining whether the university's consideration of race in its admissions decisions violates federal civil rights laws, particularly Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. As a public university, William & Mary receives federal funding, making it subject to these regulations.

This investigation into William & Mary follows a series of similar inquiries and legal challenges targeting higher education institutions across the United States. The Supreme Court's decision in June 2023, which effectively ended affirmative action in college admissions, has prompted both heightened awareness and increased enforcement actions related to race-conscious admissions policies. Universities are now navigating a complex legal landscape, seeking to maintain diversity while adhering to new legal interpretations. The outcome of the DOJ's investigation could have significant implications for how William & Mary and other institutions approach admissions in the future, potentially influencing recruitment strategies and diversity initiatives.

William & Mary has not yet issued a formal public statement regarding the specific nature of the DOJ's investigation. However, university officials are expected to cooperate fully with the Department of Justice's inquiry. The university, founded in 1693, is the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Its admissions process, like many selective universities, has historically sought to build a diverse student body, a goal that is now being re-evaluated in light of evolving legal standards. The investigation underscores the ongoing national debate surrounding race, equity, and access in higher education.