DOJ: Duke Law intentionally discriminated based on race in admissions

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The U.S. Department of Justice has concluded that Duke University School of Law intentionally used race-based discrimination in its admissions process and says it will seek a settlement with the university or pursue legal action.

According to findings released by the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, investigators determined the law school deliberately influenced admissions decisions through the use of essay tags and applicant characteristics that were correlated with race.

Federal investigators also found that Black and Hispanic applicants were admitted at substantially higher rates than White and Asian applicants with similar academic credentials.

The findings stem from a federal investigation conducted by the Justice Department. Officials said the review examined Duke Law's admissions practices and whether they complied with federal civil rights laws.

The announcement comes after a separate federal investigation launched last year into Duke Law's law journal selection practices.

The Justice Department said it plans to pursue a settlement with Duke. If an agreement cannot be reached, federal officials said they intend to file a lawsuit.

Duke University responded to the findings Thursday, saying it is reviewing the Justice Department's conclusions.

"Today, the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division issued a letter of findings related to Duke Law's admissions practices," a university spokesperson said in a statement. "We are reviewing the letter and its conclusions carefully. Duke is committed to complying with the law and will continue to do so in a manner that is consistent with our academic mission."

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