Investigation Launched by Dept. of Education Into Harvards Donor and Legacy Admissions Preferences | News – My MBA Career

Last Updated on July 26, 2023 by Robert C. Hoopes

US Department of Education Investigates Harvard University’s Admissions Practices

The U.S. Department of Education has officially launched an investigation into Harvard University’s admissions processes. The investigation aims to determine whether the university’s use of donor and legacy preferences discriminates against applicants on the basis of race.

This inquiry was initiated following a study conducted by Harvard economists, which revealed significant admissions advantages for students from affluent backgrounds. The investigation comes at a crucial time, with a National Summit on Equal Opportunity in Higher Education on the horizon. The summit will address equity and diversity, taking into account a recent Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action.

A complaint filed by the nonprofit group Lawyers for Civil Rights prompted the investigation into Harvard’s admissions preferences for children of alumni and wealthy donors. Lawyers for Civil Rights is concerned about the impact of these preferences on applicants of color and aims to promote diversity in higher education.

In response to the investigation, Harvard University confirmed that it is undergoing an internal review of its admissions practices. The Office for Civil Rights will collect and analyze evidence from multiple sources during their investigation. While the timeline for the investigation remains uncertain, there is an opportunity for Harvard to voluntarily eliminate these preferences, thus potentially avoiding further investigation.

It is important to note that the investigation does not imply that Harvard has been found in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Rather, the investigation seeks to evaluate whether the university’s admissions practices are in line with the principles of equal opportunity and diversity.

The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for Harvard University and for the broader conversation surrounding admissions practices in higher education. As the investigation unfolds, stakeholders will be closely watching to see how Harvard and other institutions respond to ensure fairness and equity in the admissions process.