DOJ Scrutinizes University of California’s Hiring for Bias Issues

President Trump’s Department of Justice is taking aim at potential racial and gender discrimination in one of America’s largest university systems. The investigation could expose illegal hiring practices disguised as diversity initiatives at taxpayer expense.

At a glance:

• The DOJ has launched an investigation into the University of California for potential illegal sex- and race-based hiring discrimination
• The probe targets UC’s “2030 Capacity Plan,” which aims to increase faculty diversity through specific fellowship programs
• Justice Department alleges UC may be violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by implementing race and gender quotas
• The UC system receives over $17 billion in federal funding and launched diversity initiatives in 2022
• This investigation is part of a broader Trump administration effort to challenge DEI programs in educational institutions

Trump Administration Targets Discriminatory Hiring at UC

The Department of Justice under President Trump has initiated a sweeping investigation into the University of California system over allegations of illegal discrimination in faculty hiring practices. The probe specifically examines the university’s “2030 Capacity Plan,” which aims to increase student enrollment and faculty diversity by adding 1,100 tenure-track positions.

Federal investigators are scrutinizing whether UC’s diversity goals violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by implementing race and gender quotas in their hiring process. The investigation comes as part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to challenge diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that may discriminate against qualified candidates based on immutable characteristics.

GREAT NEWS: The DOJ is investigating the University of California — the first place to use DEI statements in academic hiring — for alleged discrimination in hiring on the basis of race and sex.@HarmeetKDhillon’s letter: pic.twitter.com/Imv9obuVl7

— Steve McGuire (@sfmcguire79) June 26, 2025

Fellowship Programs Under Scrutiny

At the center of the investigation are two controversial programs: the UC President’s Pre-Professoriate Fellowship Program and the UC President’s Postdoctoral Fellowship. These initiatives were specifically designed to expedite the entry of women and minorities into faculty positions throughout the university system.

The Pre-Professoriate Fellowship targets historically underrepresented students from California Hispanic Serving Institutions, offering recipients a $37,000 stipend, tuition coverage, and a $10,000 professional development grant. Critics argue these programs create incentives to hire less qualified candidates based on demographics rather than merit, with one UCLA professor noting a decline in the quality of scholars participating over time.

Justice Department Opens Investigation into the University of California System for Race- and Sex-Based Employment Practiceshttps://t.co/RIgVmoZuW2 pic.twitter.com/IstH04y29E

— DOJ Civil Rights Division (@CivilRights) June 26, 2025

Broader Concerns About UC Compliance

This isn’t the first time the UC system has faced federal scrutiny under the Trump administration. A previous investigation was launched in March examining alleged antisemitic practices at UC campuses, based on faculty complaints.

The Justice Department has also accused UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC Irvine of using illegal DEI practices in their admissions processes. While UC officials deny these allegations, citing compliance with California’s Proposition 209 which bans race consideration in public education and hiring, the university system faces mounting legal challenges.

The UC system, which receives over $17 billion in federal funding annually, could face serious consequences if found to be in violation of federal anti-discrimination laws. Students Against Racial Discrimination has already filed a lawsuit against the university system for allegedly continuing race-conscious admissions practices despite Supreme Court rulings against such policies.