• The Trump administration is investigating Harvard Law Review for alleged race-based discrimination.
• Investigators claim the journal's selection process favors race over merit.
• Harvard has sued the administration following the cancellation of $2 billion in federal funding.
• The investigation centers on compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
• Trump officials have criticized diversity programs in educational institutions.

The Trump administration announced Monday that it is investigating Harvard University and the Harvard Law Review over allegations of racial discrimination within the journal's editorial processes. The investigation comes from the civil rights offices of the Departments of Education and Health and Human Services, asserting that the Harvard Law Review may have employed practices that violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, specifically alleging that the selection process for articles could be influenced more by race than by merit, thus creating a "spoils system," according to Acting Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Craig Trainor, who stated, “No institution—no matter its pedigree, prestige, or wealth—is above the law” according to The Hill, ABC News, Channel News Asia, and AA.

The allegations include claims that the journal’s editors fast-tracked articles written by individuals from minority backgrounds, which raises questions about meritocratic standards. Harvard Law Review, a student-run organization, is independent from the law school, and the school emphasized its commitment to comply with all applicable laws while investigating the claims made against the journal. Notably, the investigation is part of a broader conflict involving the Trump administration, which has previously frozen over $2 billion in federal funding to Harvard due to its refusal to comply with certain policy directives, as detailed in statements made by representatives from both the university and the administration according to ABC News and Channel News Asia.

The investigation aligns with attempts by the administration to scrutinize diversity, equity, and inclusion programs across universities, which officials label as forms of discrimination. As part of the ongoing tension, Harvard University filed a lawsuit last week against the Trump administration to challenge the funding cuts, arguing that the threats interfere with essential academic research and violate the university’s rights. This legal battle is unfolding against a backdrop of significant scrutiny of Harvard's policies regarding admissions and governance, particularly following protests related to antisemitism on campus, as underscored by statements from Harvard's leadership and relevant court actions according to The Hill, ABC News, and AA.