January 1, DOJ Takes Harvard to Court Over Admissions Secrecy

Wyatt’s Take

• The Justice Department sues Harvard for holding back race-related admissions files.
• The Supreme Court already ruled Harvard broke federal law using race in admissions.
• DOJ wants proof Harvard is following the law and not playing games with DEI policies.

The Department of Justice is dragging Harvard into federal court, saying the university is hiding documents tied to how it selects students. Officials claim Harvard stalled and refused to hand over information on applicant data and policies regarding race and diversity efforts.

In 2023, the Supreme Court said Harvard broke the law for using race during admissions, violating the Civil Rights Act. The DOJ, which gives money to Harvard, says the school is now breaking another rule by not cooperating with the compliance review.

The suit says Harvard is blocking officials from seeing files needed to check if the university still discriminates in its admissions.

“Harvard has failed to disclose the data we need to ensure that its admissions are free of discrimination — we will continue fighting to put merit over DEI across America,”

said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated,

“The Justice Department will not allow universities to flout our nation’s federal civil rights laws by refusing to provide the information required for our review.”

The DOJ says they’re only asking Harvard to turn in race-related admissions records, not accusing the school of discrimination in this case. Harvard didn’t reply when asked for comment.

America’s working people want fairness, not secrets. When elite colleges dodge simple questions, trust takes a hit. Everyone deserves a level playing field, no matter where you come from or who you know.

Wyatt Matters

Middle Americans believe in equal opportunity and playing by the rules. When powerful schools hide behind closed doors, it hurts trust in our institutions. We need transparency so everyone gets a fair shot.

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