One-two punch: Gov’t withholds $108M as Duke law review, Duke Health probed for racial bias

Two federal agencies have launched probes into Duke University to investigate claims of racial bias as the government pauses over $100 million in funding to the elite institution

The Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights launched an investigation into Duke University’s law journal and the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office froze $108 million in National Institutes of Health grants as it probes Duke Health

Both actions cite Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which forbids institutions that receive federal funds to discriminate on the basis of race.

The education department probe centers on concerns of racial discrimination in the journal’s selection process. Referencing reporting that discovered potentially discriminatory hiring practices at the Journal, the announcement raises concerns that “select applicants were afforded the opportunity to be awarded extra points based on their personal statements that referenced their race or ethnicity.” Applicants apparently got extra points for being minorities.