AG Bondi Launches Investigation Into DEI Admissions Policies at Stanford, University of California Schools

Attorney General Pam Bondi has initiated compliance review investigations into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) admissions policies at Stanford University and several University of California schools, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC Irvine. These investigations are being spearheaded by the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division.

The move comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in the Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellow of Harvard College case, which prohibits colleges and universities from engaging in discriminatory practices under the guise of DEI-based admissions. Bondi made her stance clear, emphasizing that merit should prevail over racial quotas, stating, "Every student in America deserves to be judged solely based on their hard work, intellect, and character, not the color of their skin." Bold words, but whether this will truly reset the playing field remains to be seen.

For decades, elite institutions have reportedly prioritized racial quotas over equality of opportunity, according to a statement from the DOJ. This practice, per the Department, has contributed to division among Americans and unfairly discriminated against groups of applicants.

The Trump administration has been actively pushing for reforms in this area, even filing an emergency Supreme Court appeal that—if granted—could cut hundreds of millions in grants from the Education Department. This aggressive strategy is part of a broader effort to align educational institutions with federal mandates on civil rights.

Interestingly, some colleges in Virginia have already taken preemptive measures by scaling back their DEI departments and initiatives, aligning themselves with these new directives. This could signal a larger trend across the country as institutions brace for more scrutiny.

Acting Associate Attorney General Chad Mizelle remarked, "The Department of Justice will put an end to a shameful system in which someone’s race matters more than their ability." Mizelle's statement underscores the administration's commitment to ensuring admissions are based on merit and eliminating illegal discrimination. To say the DOJ is serious about this would be an understatement.

The investigations into Stanford and the California universities are just the beginning of what the DOJ promises will be a sweeping effort to eradicate unlawful DEI practices and uphold equality under the law. It's clear they’re not here to play.

Contributions to this report were made by Jeffrey Clark and Charles Creitz of Fox News Digital.