Feds Want to Join Lawsuit Accusing UCLA Medical School of Racial Discrimination in Admissions

Introduction to the Lawsuit

The Trump administration is seeking to join a lawsuit accusing the UCLA Medical School of engaging in racial discrimination in its admissions process, according to court papers obtained Thursday.

In a complaint filed Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice alleges that UCLA’s medical school uses a “systemically racist approach” to admissions that favors Black and Latino applicants over those who are white and Asian American.

Background of the Lawsuit

The DOJ is seeking to join plaintiffs in the suit brought by an organization that opposes what it sees as diversity initiatives in medicine. The proposed class-action suit filed by Virginia-based Do No Harm against UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine contends that the university continues to practice “race-conscious” admissions under the guise of “holistic admissions” and ignores federal law by discriminating against applicants on the basis of race.

Recent Rulings and Their Impact

A 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling determined that diversity programs for college admissions are unconstitutional. In its 17-page motion to intervene, the DOJ wrote that the use of racial preferences in admissions can cause “disastrous outcomes.” According to government attorneys, if medical schools “lower their academic standards to obtain the ‘right’ racial mix, the result is less well academically qualified doctors practicing medicine.”

Upcoming Court Hearing

The motion is scheduled to be heard Feb. 27 in Santa Ana federal court before U.S. District Judge John W. Holcomb. A UCLA medical school spokesperson said UCLA does not comment on pending litigation. “UCLA’s medical school is committed to fair processes in all of our programs and activities, including admissions, consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws,” according to the spokesperson.

Allegations of Racial Discrimination

DNH alleges that a white member of the organization was “unfairly rejected by Geffen, despite stellar academic achievements.” The group also contends that Geffen’s dean of admissions has both publicly and privately “said she uses race as a factor in making admission decisions.” The organization further alleges that whistleblower accounts describe how the Geffen admissions committee “routinely gives Black and Latino applicants a pass for subpar metrics” and that “whites and Asians need near-perfect scores to even be considered.”

Founder’s Statement

DNH founder Dr. Stanley Goldfarb said when the lawsuit was filed in May 2025 that the organization “is fighting for all the students who have been racially discriminated against by UCLA under the guise of political progress. All medical schools must abide by the law of the land and prioritize merit, not immutable characteristics, in admissions.” Goldfarb, a former dean at the University of Pennsylvania’s medical school and a retired kidney doctor, founded DNH four years ago “to safeguard health care from ideological threats,” the DNH website says.

Conclusion

The lawsuit against UCLA Medical School highlights the ongoing debate about racial discrimination in admissions processes. The involvement of the DOJ and the allegations made by DNH have significant implications for the future of diversity initiatives in medical schools. As the court hearing approaches, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold and what impact it will have on the medical education landscape.

FAQs

• Q: What is the basis of the lawsuit against UCLA Medical School?
  • A: The lawsuit alleges that UCLA’s medical school engages in racial discrimination in its admissions process, favoring Black and Latino applicants over white and Asian American applicants.
• Q: Who is joining the lawsuit?
  • A: The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to join the lawsuit filed by Do No Harm, an organization opposed to diversity initiatives in medicine.
• Q: What was the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling relevant to this case?
  • A: The Supreme Court ruled that diversity programs for college admissions are unconstitutional, which has implications for the use of racial preferences in admissions.
• Q: What are the allegations made by Do No Harm?
  • A: Do No Harm alleges that UCLA’s medical school uses race as a factor in admissions decisions, giving preference to Black and Latino applicants and requiring higher standards for white and Asian applicants.