Key Points:
- DOJ probe Ohio State admissions targets possible race discrimination in medical school admissions from 2019 to 2026.
- Investigators requested detailed applicant records, including demographics, grades, test scores, and alumni connections.
- Ohio State says it follows all laws and will comply with the DOJ’s data request.
The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a civil rights investigation into Ohio State University College of Medicine’s admissions policies, examining whether race discrimination occurred in applicant selection between 2019 and 2026.
DOJ Reviews Admissions Data For Possible Race Discrimination
Federal officials announced the DOJ probe Ohio State admissions after Civil Rights Division chief Harmeet Dhillon posted on social media that the department was launching a series of civil rights inquiries.
A compliance review letter sent to Ohio State University states that investigators will focus on “possible race discrimination in medical school admissions.” The Justice Department requested extensive admissions records, including policies governing how applicants are evaluated.
The agency is seeking documents detailing whether race was used or considered during admissions decisions. Officials also requested applicant information covering Medical College Admission Test scores, grade-point averages, essays, extracurricular activities, and final admission outcomes.
The department ordered Ohio State to provide data for all applicants from 2019 through 2026 in a searchable electronic spreadsheet, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the DOJ probe Ohio State admissions.
Federal Officials Seek Extensive Applicant Records
According to the letter obtained from the university, the Justice Department is requesting 31 categories of information tied to each applicant. Those categories include demographic details such as race, gender, citizenship, and disability status, along with economic indicators and parental education levels.
Investigators also asked for information about any relationships applicants may have had with faculty members, staff, or alumni, including legacy connections. Each applicant’s record must include a unique identifying number, though the department did not specify how the identifier should be created.
The Justice Department set an April 24 deadline for submitting the requested materials. Ohio State must notify the agency by April 8 if it needs additional time.
“At this time, our investigation will focus on possible race discrimination in medical school admissions,” the department wrote in its notice to the university.
Inquiry Follows Earlier Federal Investigations Into University
The new DOJ probe Ohio State admissions comes after several federal civil rights investigations involving Ohio State over the past year.
In March 2025, the U.S. Department of Education alleged the university failed to protect Jewish students during pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus. Ohio State previously said it does not tolerate discrimination and works to ensure student safety.
That same month, federal officials opened another inquiry into alleged race-exclusionary practices connected to a graduate program partnership with The PhD Project, an organization aimed at supporting minority doctoral students. Ohio State ended that partnership last summer, and the investigation was resolved in September.
University officials said in a statement that they comply with all applicable laws governing admissions.
“The university complies with all state and federal regulations and legal rulings regarding admissions,” Ohio State said, adding it will “respond appropriately” to the Justice Department’s request.
The Justice Department has not announced a timeline for completing the review or indicated whether enforcement action could follow. Civil rights compliance investigations typically examine policies and data before determining whether violations occurred, making the DOJ probe Ohio State admissions a key step in ensuring equity.
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