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 focus on 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 if Harvard voluntarily eliminates these preferences, it could potentially render the investigation unnecessary.
The investigation will involve the Office for Civil Rights collecting and analyzing evidence from the complainant, the university, and other relevant sources. The goal is to determine whether Harvard’s admissions practices violate Title VI.
For more information, contact Staff writer Michelle N. Amponsah at michelle.amponsah@thecrimson.com or follow her on Twitter at @mnamponsah. Staff writer Miles J. Herszenhorn can be reached at miles.herszenhorn@thecrimson.com or followed on Twitter at @mherszenhorn.
What potential changes in admissions practices at Harvard and other universities may result from the Department of Education’s investigation into admissions preferences
That its admissions processes are fair and equitable. He also highlighted Harvard’s ongoing efforts to increase access and affordability for low-income students.
The use of donor and legacy preferences in college admissions has long been a topic of debate. Critics argue that these preferences perpetuate socioeconomic disparities and privilege certain groups of students, while supporters argue that they help institutions maintain strong relationships with alumni and secure crucial financial support.
Harvard is not the first institution to face scrutiny over admissions preferences. In recent years, other prestigious universities, such as Yale and Princeton, have faced similar investigations. The outcome of these investigations could have significant implications for college admissions nationwide.
As the investigation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the Department of Education’s findings may impact Harvard and potentially reshape admissions practices at other universities. In the meantime, the focus remains on promoting equal opportunity and ensuring fairness in higher education for all students.
It is crucial for the US Department of Education to thoroughly investigate Harvard’s admissions practices to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all applicants. Transparency and accountability are key in maintaining the integrity of higher education institutions.