US DOJ Launches Investigation Into Allegations of Race-and-Sex Based Hiring Discrimination at University of California

The United States Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division opened an investigation into the University of California system, and its individual campuses, over alleged race-and sex-based discrimination in university employment practices.

According to the DOJ, the Civil Rights Division’s Employment Litigation Section will be investigating as to whether or not the University of California broke Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in it’s hiring practices. Title VII, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, was brought up specifically because of concerns that the UC system is using a practice that uses race and gender as specific hiring points.

Of most concern was the University of California’s “UC 2030 Capacity Plan“. The plan, which directs its campuses to hire diverse faculty members to meet race- and sex-based employment quotas, has been seen by many as being racist and sexist. And as such, it potentially violates Title VII.

“Public employers are bound by federal laws that prohibit racial and other employment discrimination,” explained Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division on Thursday. “Institutional directives that use race-and sex-based hiring practices expose employers to legal risk under federal law.”

In addition, UC President Michael Drake received a letter from the DOJ, informing him of their new investigation.

The University of California struck back later on Thursday, defending their program and vowing to work with the DOJ over this matter.

“The UC system is committed to fair and lawful processes in all of our programs and activities, consistent with federal and state antidiscrimination laws,” said UC Spokeswoman Rachel Zaentz. “The University also aims to foster a campus environment where everyone is welcomed and supported. We will work in good faith with the Department of Justice as it conducts its investigation.”

Possible Title VII violations

Since being sworn in January 20, 2025, the Trump administration has identified many Universities and Colleges over discriminatory programs, practices, and student application processes. For Harvard University, the Trump Administration has challenged many issues, from antisemitism to who the school lets in through their international student program. This has resulted in his administration ordering a halt to all student visas, and potentially blocking billions of dollars in grants. Columbia University saw $400 million stripped away in federal grants, additional funding put on the chopping block, and their very accreditation at risk now over antisemitism allegations and other discrimination issues.

The UC System, as well as the California State University system, haven’t been strangers to federal challenges either. In March, President Trump pushed to reduce funding at UC over discriminatory practices tied with DEI initiatives, and had the DOJ launch an investigation into alleged antisemitism on UC campuses across the state. As a result, UC took several steps to fall more in line with federal demands. This included ending the use of diversity statements in hiring faculty. However, as shown on Thursday, it wasn’t enough, with the DOJ opening up yet another investigation.

Wasting no time, the DOJ appointed Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Eric Sell to the investigation. Dhillon, a California attorney and former California Republican Party (CAGOP) Vice Chairwoman who was chosen by Trump as the first Republican to head the DOJ Civil Rights Division, will oversee the case from Washington.

The new investigation likewise comes only a day after California was found in violation of another Civil Rights Act title, Title IX, because of their transgender athlete law. However, the University of California itself was not targeted in that investigation, but rather the California Department of Education and the California Interscholastic Federation.

It is currently unknown how long the investigation will last, although if the UC system is found to be in violation of Title VII, it will likely result in fines and paying damages to affected individuals. It is also likely that UC will either end or significantly alter their UC 2030 Capacity Plan.