Trump Administration Launches Investigations Into Harvard Law Review's Racial Practices

The Trump administration has initiated federal investigations into Harvard University and the Harvard Law Review over allegations that the law journal discriminates based on race in selecting both editors and articles, citing internal documents that indicate race and diversity are prioritized in these decisions. The Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services are conducting separate civil rights probes to determine if Harvard violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Critics argue that such practices amount to a 'spoils system' where race may outweigh merit, while Harvard contends that addressing discrimination on campus is a work in progress and resists federal intervention as an infringement on academic freedom. The administration's efforts are part of a broader crackdown on perceived civil rights violations at elite universities, with officials warning that persistent violations could jeopardize Harvard's federal funding. Meanwhile, Harvard maintains that government overreach threatens the university’s autonomy and its ability to address issues internally. The controversy reflects a broader national debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and the appropriate role of the federal government in higher education.