U.S. Department of Education Launches Investigation into Harvard University’s Admissions Practices
Updated July 25, 2023, at 4:08 p.m.
The U.S. Department of Education has officially opened an investigation into Harvard University’s use of donor and legacy preferences in its admissions processes. The investigation, conducted by the Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights, will examine whether the university’s use of these preferences discriminates on the basis of race.
The Department of Education confirmed the investigation in a statement on Tuesday, citing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as the basis for the investigation. The spokesperson declined to provide further details, citing a policy against discussing ongoing investigations.
This investigation follows a study published by Harvard economists on Monday, which revealed that Ivy League universities give significant admissions advantages to wealthy applicants over equally qualified, less affluent students. The timing of the investigation is also significant, as it comes just one day before the Education Department is set to host a National Summit on Equal Opportunity in Higher Education. The summit aims to address equity and diversity in higher education following the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on affirmative action.
The investigation was prompted by a federal complaint filed by the nonprofit group Lawyers for Civil Rights, which raised concerns about Harvard’s use of admissions preferences for children of alumni and wealthy donors. Harvard spokesperson Jonathan L. Swain confirmed that the university has been notified of the investigation and stated that Harvard is currently conducting an internal review of its admissions practices.
In response to the investigation, Swain emphasized Harvard’s commitment to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds and ensuring compliance with the law. He stated, “Harvard remains dedicated to opening doors to opportunity and to redoubling our efforts to encourage students from many different backgrounds to apply for admission.”
The Office for Civil Rights at the Department of Education informed Lawyers for Civil Rights about the investigation in a letter obtained by The Crimson. The letter stated that the investigation will examine whether Harvard’s use of donor and legacy preferences violates Title VI and its implementing regulations. It also emphasized that the launch of the investigation does not imply that Harvard has been found to be in violation of Title VI.
Michael A. Kippins, an attorney at Lawyers for Civil Rights, expressed concerns about the impact of donor and legacy preferences on applicants of color and their contribution to diversity in higher education. He stated, “We decided to file this federal civil rights complaint in order to eliminate barriers that harm applicants of color and are contrary to the production of diversity in higher education.”
The timeline for the investigation conducted by the Department of Education can vary widely, according to Kippins. He also noted that Harvard has the opportunity to voluntarily eliminate these preferences, which would render the investigation unnecessary.
The investigation will serve as an important examination of the role of donor and legacy preferences in college admissions and their potential impact on racial discrimination. As the investigation unfolds, Harvard and other universities may face increased scrutiny and pressure to ensure equal opportunities for all applicants.
-Staff writer Michelle N. Amponsah can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @mnamponsah.
-Staff writer Miles J. Herszenhorn can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @mherszenhorn.
How do donor and legacy preferences impact the overall fairness and equity of the college admissions process?
Ted to a fair and equitable admissions process that considers all applicants on their individual merits. We will cooperate fully with the Department of Education’s investigation and provide any requested information to ensure transparency.”
The use of donor and legacy preferences in college admissions has long been a contentious issue. Critics argue that these preferences perpetuate inequality and favor wealthy applicants, while proponents argue that they are necessary for fostering a sense of community and maintaining institutional funding.
The investigation into Harvard’s admissions practices will shed light on the extent to which these preferences affect the university’s admissions decisions and whether they lead to racial discrimination. The outcome of the investigation could have significant implications not only for Harvard but for other universities that also employ similar preferences in their admissions processes.
Ultimately, the goal of the investigation and the ongoing discussions about equity and diversity in higher education is to ensure that all students have equal access to quality educational opportunities, regardless of their socioeconomic background or race. By addressing these systemic issues, it is hoped that universities can create a more inclusive and fair admissions process that promotes diversity and equal opportunity for all.
It’s disheartening to hear that a prestigious institution like Harvard is under investigation for discriminatory admissions practices. Equal opportunities should be provided to all deserving students, regardless of their background. Let’s hope that justice prevails and steps are taken to ensure fairness in the admissions process.
It’s disheartening to hear that a prestigious institution like Harvard University is under investigation for potential discriminatory admissions practices. Affirmative action is important, but it should be implemented fairly and equally. Hoping for a fair resolution to this investigation.