Trump administration probes Duke University over allegations of race-related discrimination amid funding threat

A letter was sent by US Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to Duke University’s administration which referred to allegations of “the use of race preferences in Duke’s hiring, admissions, and scholarship decisions.”

Blatantly discriminatory practices that are illegal have become all too common in our educational institution.

Today, @SecKennedy and I sent Duke a letter insisting it restore merit and lawfulness on campus, and launched investigations into their conduct. pic.twitter.com/9BlRi0dtY4

— Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) July 28, 2025

The Department of Education, in a statement said, “This investigation is based on recent reporting alleging that Duke University discriminates on the bases of race, color, and/or national origin by using these factors to select law journal members.”

The letter by the federal government urged the Duke University to assess its policies and create a panel “with delegated authority from Duke’s Board of Trustees to enable Duke and the federal government to move quickly toward a mutual resolution of Duke’s alleged civil rights violations.”

The Trump administration has already reprimanded Harvard University, Columbia University, Pennsylvania University among others since coming to the office in January, while cutting federal funding of some and threatening other institutions with slashing the funds.