Is the Trump Administration Taking Harvard to Court Over Race in Admissions?

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University, claiming it has not complied with a civil rights investigation concerning its admissions process. The lawsuit is focused on allegations that Harvard has failed to provide necessary data to determine if it unlawfully considered race in admissions decisions, particularly in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling deeming race-conscious admissions unconstitutional.

Last updated: 18 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The lawsuit was filed in the US District Court in Massachusetts on Thursday, asserting that Harvard has "unlawfully withheld" crucial data required for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to assess potential violations of the Civil Rights Act. The DOJ's civil rights head, Harmeet Dhillon, emphasised that providing requested data is fundamental to any compliance process. Harvard maintains it has been cooperative and continues to resist government overreach.

Key takeaways

The Trump administration is suing Harvard for non-compliance with a civil rights investigation.
Harvard is accused of not providing necessary data related to its admissions process.
The lawsuit follows a Supreme Court ruling declaring race-conscious admissions unconstitutional.

Timeline: how we got here

This legal battle has seen several key developments over the last few years:

April 2022: Trump revokes approximately £1.5 billion in research grants to Harvard.
June 2023: The US Supreme Court rules against race-conscious college admissions.
October 2023: The Trump administration files a lawsuit against Harvard for failing to provide requested data.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration's ongoing conflict with Harvard, especially regarding the university's admissions practices. The administration is now seeking an injunction to compel the university to provide the requested documents.

What was already established

Harvard has previously adjusted its admissions procedures in response to the Supreme Court's ruling, ensuring that admissions staff do not access applicants' race-related information until after decisions are made. This change aims to comply with new legal standards while maintaining institutional autonomy.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The outcome of this lawsuit may set a precedent affecting educational institutions globally, including in the UK. The discourse surrounding race in admissions could influence policies at UK universities, particularly those with diverse applicant pools.

Businesses and jobs

For universities and colleges in the UK, the implications of this case could extend to funding and compliance with government regulations. Institutions may need to evaluate their admissions processes in light of potential changes in legal standards.

Policy and regulation

The lawsuit could prompt a re-evaluation of how educational institutions in the UK approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in their admissions processes, especially as they seek to align with evolving legal frameworks in the US.

Numbers that matter

£1 billion: The amount the Trump administration is seeking in damages from Harvard.
£1.5 billion: The amount previously revoked in research grants by Trump.
2023: The year the Supreme Court ruled against race-conscious admissions.

Definitions and jargon buster

DOJ: Department of Justice, the US federal executive department responsible for enforcing the law and administering justice.
Civil Rights Act: A landmark piece of legislation in the United States that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, religion, sex, or national origin.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, the legal proceedings will unfold in court. Harvard will likely respond formally to the lawsuit, and the DOJ may provide further clarifications regarding its data requests.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the case progresses, it could lead to significant rulings that may affect admissions policies at universities across the US and potentially influence practices in the UK.

Signals to watch

The court's response to the DOJ's request for an injunction could indicate how seriously it views Harvard's compliance.
Updates from Harvard regarding changes to their admissions process in light of the lawsuit.
Responses from other universities to similar inquiries from the government.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about the developments in this lawsuit, as they may impact broader educational policies.
Review admissions policies to ensure compliance with evolving legal standards.

Don’t

Do not assume the outcome will be limited to Harvard; implications may extend to other institutions.
Avoid dismissing the importance of compliance with government inquiries.

Checklist

Monitor updates from Harvard and the DOJ regarding this lawsuit.
Evaluate your institution's admissions policies against current legal requirements.
Consider the potential implications of the Supreme Court ruling on admissions practices.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

Although the lawsuit has been filed, the outcome remains uncertain. The legal landscape surrounding admissions practices is evolving, and any ruling could set a precedent affecting educational institutions both in the US and the UK. The distinction between compliance and actual discriminatory practices also needs to be carefully navigated.

Bottom line

The Trump administration's lawsuit against Harvard highlights significant tensions between government oversight and institutional autonomy. As the case unfolds, it may reshape the future of admissions practices not only in the US but also in the UK, prompting educational institutions to reassess their approaches to diversity and inclusion.

FAQs

What is the lawsuit against Harvard about?

The lawsuit involves allegations that Harvard failed to provide necessary data related to its admissions process, potentially violating the US Civil Rights Act.

How could this affect UK universities?

The implications of the case could influence admissions policies at UK universities, particularly concerning diversity and compliance with legal standards.

What changes has Harvard made in response to the Supreme Court ruling?

Harvard has adjusted its admissions procedures to ensure that race-related information is not reviewed until after admissions decisions are made.