Department of Justice Claims Racial Bias in Yale School of Medicine Admissions

May 14, 2026, 20:40
USPolitics

Introduction

The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused the Yale School of Medicine of breaking federal civil rights laws by using race as a factor when choosing which students to admit.

Main Body

The DOJ asserts that Yale University violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After a year-long investigation, the agency claims that the university used a 'holistic' review process to prioritize applicants based on their race. According to the DOJ, this was a way to avoid the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that banned affirmative action in higher education. Furthermore, the agency argues that Yale intentionally ignored judicial orders by continuing to maintain diverse student groups. Data provided by the DOJ shows a clear difference in admission requirements. For the 2023 to 2025 classes, Black and Hispanic applicants were admitted with lower average GPAs and test scores than white and Asian students. For example, in the most recent class, Black students had a median GPA of 3.88, while Asian and white students had medians of 3.98 and 3.97. Consequently, the DOJ suggests that a Black applicant was up to 29 times more likely to get an interview than an Asian applicant with the same academic records. This action is part of a larger government plan to remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs from universities. The DOJ emphasized that prioritizing race over academic skill in medical school is a public safety risk. Similar warnings have been sent to UCLA, and other top universities like Harvard and Stanford are also facing investigations. However, some academics argue that the government is being too strict and that universities should still be allowed to consider a student's personal growth and character.

Conclusion

The DOJ is currently trying to reach a voluntary agreement with Yale University, but it may start legal action if the university does not follow federal law.

Learning

🚀 The 'Connector' Secret: Moving from Simple to Sophisticated

At an A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because to link your ideas. To reach B2, you need to use Transition Signals. These are words that tell the reader how two ideas are connected (cause, contrast, or addition).

🛠 The B2 Upgrade Map

Look at how this article avoids simple words and uses "Professional Bridges" instead:

Instead of... (A2)Use this... (B2)Example from Text
And / AlsoFurthermore"Furthermore, the agency argues..."
SoConsequently"Consequently, the DOJ suggests..."
ButHowever"However, some academics argue..."

🔍 Why this matters

When you use "Consequently," you aren't just saying something happened; you are showing a logical result. When you use "Furthermore," you are building a stronger argument by adding a second, more important point.

💡 Pro Tip: The Comma Rule

Notice that these B2 words are almost always followed by a comma when they start a sentence:

  • Wrong: extHoweverthegovernmentisstrict.\text{Wrong: } ext{However the government is strict.}
  • Right: extHowever,thegovernmentisstrict.\text{Right: } ext{However, the government is strict.}

⚡ Quick Vocabulary Shift

To sound more B2, replace basic verbs with "Precise Verbs" found in the text:

  • Don't say say →\rightarrow Use assert or emphasize.
  • Don't say change →\rightarrow Use violated (when talking about laws).
  • Don't say look at →\rightarrow Use investigation.

Vocabulary Learning

assert (v.)
to state something confidently and forcefully.
Example:The company asserted that the new policy would improve efficiency.
violated (v.)
to break or fail to follow a rule or law.
Example:The company violated safety regulations and faced fines.
holistic (adj.)
considering all parts or aspects of something.
Example:The holistic review looks at a student's background, not just grades.
prioritize (v.)
to give more importance or preference to something.
Example:The committee will prioritize applicants with strong research experience.
intentionally (adv.)
on purpose, deliberately.
Example:He intentionally left the door open to let the cat in.
judicial (adj.)
relating to judges or courts.
Example:The judicial process ensures fair trials.
diverse (adj.)
including many different types or kinds.
Example:The campus has a diverse student body.
voluntary (adj.)
done by one's own free choice.
Example:She signed the voluntary agreement without hesitation.
legal (adj.)
connected with the law.
Example:They hired a legal team to handle the case.
investigations (n.)
the process of looking into something to find facts.
Example:The investigations revealed several discrepancies.
academic (adj.)
relating to education or scholarship.
Example:He has an academic background in physics.
median (n.)
the middle value in a set of numbers.
Example:The median score of the test was 75.
likely (adj.)
having a good chance of happening.
Example:It is likely to rain this afternoon.
public (adj.)
relating to the whole community.
Example:Public safety is a top priority for the city.
safety (n.)
the condition of being protected from danger.
Example:Safety measures were implemented at the factory.
risk (n.)
the possibility of danger or loss.
Example:There is a risk of injury when climbing.
character (n.)
the mental and moral qualities that define a person.
Example:Her character made her a respected leader.
equity (n.)
fairness or justice in treatment.
Example:The organization promotes equity in hiring.
inclusion (n.)
the act of including or being included.
Example:Inclusion of all voices is essential.
bias (n.)
an unfair preference or prejudice.
Example:The study found a bias in the sample selection.
admissions (n.)
the process of accepting students into a school.
Example:Admissions were competitive this year.
factor (n.)
an element that contributes to a result.
Example:Experience is an important factor in hiring.
average (adj.)
typical or the mean value.
Example:The average temperature this week was 20°C.
applicant (n.)
a person who applies for something.
Example:The applicant submitted all required documents.
review (n.)
a formal assessment or examination.
Example:The review will be conducted next month.