Trump Administration Targets Duke University for Alleged Racial Bias

The Trump administration has launched an investigation into Duke University over claims of racial discrimination, focusing particularly on the Duke Law Journal's selection process for its editors. This makes Duke the latest in a series of universities facing potential federal funding cuts due to discrimination allegations.

The U.S. Education Department stated that the investigation is prompted by reports alleging that Duke discriminates on the bases of race, color, and national origin. In a letter, U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. accused the university of using racial preferences in hiring, admissions, and scholarship decisions.

Critics argue that the administration's actions threaten free speech and academic freedom. The New York Times noted Harvard University's willingness to spend $500 million to resolve its own disputes with the administration. Meanwhile, Brown University has navigated similar challenges, securing substantial loans amid federal cuts to research aid.

(With inputs from agencies.)