DOJ Finds Ohio State Medical School Used Race‑Based Admissions Practices
The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division announced on Oct. 21, 2026 that Ohio State University College of Medicine (OSU Med) discriminated against white and Asian applicants in its 2023‑2025 admission cycles. The agency says the school’s practices breach Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Supreme Court’s 2023 Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard decision, which bars race‑based admissions.
“Despite SFFA, OSU Med allows some applicants to bypass its own screening process and skip interviews solely because of the color of their skin,” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon said.
How OSU Med’s Admissions Process Worked
OSU Med uses a “Holistic Approach” that scores each applicant in three categories: Attributes (up to 12 points), Experiences (up to 16 points) and Metrics (up to 8 points). After scoring, candidates must interview. The DOJ found that Black applicants who were screened and interviewed were about 2.8 times as likely to be admitted as Asian applicants with identical credentials.
The investigation also uncovered a “side door” that lets some candidates receive admission without a screener score or an interview. Using that pathway in 2024 and 2025, Black applicants were four times as likely to be admitted as white applicants, and no Asian applicants were admitted through the side door.
- 1Gather any admission documents that show your race, scores, and interview status.
- 2File a complaint at the DOJ civil‑rights portal (www.civilrights.justice.gov).
- 3Keep a copy of the complaint and any responses for your records.
- 4Consider consulting a civil‑rights attorney to evaluate your claim.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Legal Basis of the Findings
Title VI prohibits discrimination based on race or color in any program that receives federal funds. Medical schools receive substantial federal assistance, so they must follow Title VI. The Supreme Court’s 2023 SFFA decision reinforced that any race‑conscious admissions policy is unlawful.
What This Means for Prospective Students
If you are applying to a federally funded college or university, the DOJ’s findings suggest you have a right to a race‑neutral admissions process. The department said it will negotiate a settlement with OSU Med to change the practices; if negotiations fail, it may file a lawsuit.
Anyone who believes they were denied admission because of race can file a complaint with the DOJ’s civil‑rights portal. The release did not specify a filing deadline, but prompt reporting helps the investigation.
When Talking to a Lawyer May Help
Applicants who suspect discrimination should consider consulting an attorney experienced in civil‑rights or education law. A lawyer can advise on filing a complaint, gathering evidence, and navigating any future litigation.
What this means: our conclusions
- Good newsPotential Policy Overhaul at OSU Med
If the DOJ reaches a settlement, OSU Med will likely have to eliminate race‑based shortcuts, leading to a more uniform admissions process.
- What to watchIncreased Scrutiny of Race‑Based Admissions Nationwide
Other federally funded schools may face similar investigations, prompting them to review and possibly revise their admissions criteria.
- ContextImpact on Applicants of All Races
Prospective students can expect admissions decisions to be based on credentials rather than race, though they should remain vigilant for hidden biases.
- What to doFile a Complaint If You Suspect Discrimination
Submit a report to the DOJ’s civil‑rights portal promptly to trigger an investigation and preserve your rights.
- What to doLegal Counsel Can Strengthen Your Claim
A civil‑rights attorney can help you document evidence and navigate the complaint process effectively.
| Race | Likelihood of Admission |
|---|---|
| Black (screened & interviewed) | 2.8 × higher than Asian |
| Black (side‑door, 2024‑2025) | 4 × higher than White |
| Asian (screened & interviewed) | Baseline |
| White (side‑door, 2024‑2025) | Baseline |
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
- here justice.gov
- Civil Rights Division justice.gov
This article is general information based on U.S. Department of Justice and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published October 21, 2026.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice
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