In a significant turn of events, Duke University finds itself at the center of a federal investigation that could have far-reaching implications for its funding and operations. The Departments of Education and Health and Human Services have initiated inquiries into the university and its law journal, raising serious concerns about potential violations of civil rights laws.
Federal Investigations Launched
On July 30, 2025, it was announced that both the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services are scrutinizing Duke University for allegedly breaching Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This legislation prohibits discrimination based on race and national origin, and the investigations are focused on practices that may contravene these principles.
Funding Freeze Imposed
Reports indicate that the Trump administration has frozen $108 million in federal grants and contracts associated with Duke’s medical school and health system. This funding halt is a direct response to the ongoing investigations and highlights the administration’s commitment to enforcing civil rights compliance in higher education institutions.
Concerns Over Discriminatory Practices
In a letter sent to Duke, federal officials outlined their concerns regarding potentially discriminatory practices within Duke Health. The letter suggests that the university may be engaging in illegal racial preferences in various areas, including recruitment, admissions, scholarships, and hiring practices. While specific examples were not provided, the implications of these allegations are severe.
Call for Policy Review and Reform
The federal agencies have urged Duke to conduct a comprehensive review of its policies and practices to eliminate any unlawful use of race in decision-making processes. They are demanding immediate reforms and assurances that the university will implement new policies effectively. This includes making necessary organizational changes to ensure compliance and sustainability of these reforms.
Formation of a Civil Rights Committee
Additionally, the agencies have requested the establishment of a ‘Merit and Civil Rights Committee’ to facilitate negotiations between university leaders and the federal government. This committee is intended to help Duke navigate the complexities of federal oversight while addressing the concerns raised by the investigations.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Officials have made it clear that if Duke fails to rectify the alleged discriminatory practices within six months, or if the committee encounters an impasse with the federal government, enforcement actions will be initiated. This underscores the urgency for Duke to respond effectively to the federal inquiries.
Investigation of the Duke Law Journal
In parallel, the Duke Law Journal is also under investigation for allegedly using race and national origin as criteria for selecting its editors. This inquiry mirrors a similar investigation into another prestigious law journal, indicating a broader trend of scrutiny in legal education.
Implications for Diversity Initiatives
Recent reports have surfaced suggesting that the Duke Law Journal had prepared application materials that offered advantages to candidates who could demonstrate contributions to diverse communities. Such practices are now being closely examined as part of the federal investigations, raising questions about the balance between diversity initiatives and compliance with civil rights laws.
As Duke University navigates these challenges, the outcomes of these investigations could set important precedents for higher education institutions across the country, particularly regarding their diversity and inclusion policies.