Published 2 hours ago • loading... • Updated 2 hours ago
Trump administration alleges UC Berkeley School of Law favors Black applicants in admission
Federal investigators said Berkeley Law used essays and race-related questions to favor Black applicants, with Black admits scoring 5 points lower on the LSAT in 2025.
On Wednesday, the Justice Department and Education Departments announced findings that Berkeley Law discriminated against white and Asian applicants in its admissions process.
Investigators cited data showing that in 2025, Black applicants had 5.8 times higher odds of admission than comparable white applicants, with significant LSAT score disparities during 2024 and 2025 cycles.
Application questions at Berkeley Law allegedly collected racial information, asking students to specify their identity so admitted individuals could be "grouped" with others of the same "primary identity" in class.
Dean Erwin Chemerinsky denied the allegations, stating the school "will spare no effort to provide ample evidence" that its admissions policies comply with all relevant laws and rules.
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon alleged the school's efforts "circumvent the Supreme Court's decision" in SFFA, as the Justice Department seeks a voluntary resolution agreement to ensure legal compliance.