The U.S. Department of Justice has launched 15 civil rights investigations into medical school admissions since 2023, targeting institutions under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits race based discrimination at federally funded programs. As Higher Ed Dive reported, the DOJ’s enforcement push includes probes into Ohio State University, Stanford University, and the University of California, San Diego, initiated in March. These actions align with the Trump administration’s broader strategy to challenge race conscious admissions policies following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2023 decision banning such practices in higher education. Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general of the DOJ’s Civil Rights Division, stated on June 13 that the investigations reflect concerns about medical schools prioritizing demographic composition over merit. “Many of America’s top medical schools appear more concerned about the demographics of their incoming classes than training students to succeed in the profession,” Dhillon said. The DOJ has not publicly confirmed the three March investigations, first disclosed by The New York Times , but its focus on medical schools signals an expansion of its enforcement efforts beyond undergraduate admissions. Medical schools and advocacy groups have defended holistic admissions, arguing that diversity improves healthcare outcomes. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has cited research showing that Black and Hispanic physicians are more likely to serve medically underserved communities. Despite this, these groups remain underrepresented in medical education, comprising just 10% and 12% of matriculants, respectively, in 2022, according to an AAMC report. Critics of the DOJ’s actions warn that dismantling race conscious policies could exacerbate disparities in physician diversity and patient care access. The investigations carry significant legal and financial risks for medical schools. Title VI complaints often result in costly settlements or mandated policy changes, as seen in the DOJ’s 2020 resolution with Yale University, which required USD 1.5 million in damages and admissions process revisions. With 15 active probes, institutions may face pressure to preemptively adjust their criteria, even as stakeholders debate the balance between equity and merit. Schools under scrutiny will have 60 days to respond to initial inquiries, with potential resolutions expected in the coming year. The DOJ has indicated plans to expand its enforcement efforts, focusing on institutions receiving federal funding. A Civil Rights Division spokesperson confirmed last month that additional investigations are likely, suggesting medical schools should prepare for prolonged scrutiny. The outcomes of these cases could set precedents for admissions policies across health professions education.