Trump Administration Launches Investigation into University of California’s Hiring Practices: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Department of Justice is looking into diversity hiring at the University of California (UC). This investigation is part of broader scrutiny faced by various institutions in California since President Trump took office.

On a recent Thursday, Harmeet Dhillon, the head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, informed UC President Michael Drake about the inquiry. The focus is on potential violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects individuals from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, and national origin. Specifically, the department is examining the UC 2030 Capacity Plan, which aims to increase the number of graduates while promoting racial diversity.

Dhillon highlighted that public employers must follow federal laws that prohibit racial and gender discrimination. She suggested that the UC’s plan may involve hiring quotas based on race and sex, which could violate these laws. Although Dhillon stated they are still gathering evidence, the intent of the investigation is clear.

Rachel Zaentz, a spokesperson for UC, expressed the university’s commitment to cooperating fully with the Department of Justice. She emphasized that UC is dedicated to promoting an inclusive environment within the bounds of federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

The UC 2030 Plan notes that California is a majority-minority state, yet underrepresented groups face obstacles in graduating from college. The plan aims to address these disparities, worsened by the pandemic, and sees a unique opportunity to support minority-serving initiatives.

In 2020, the UC adopted a policy to foster diversity but explicitly stated it would not use quotas based on race, ethnicity, or gender. This approach came after California voters rejected a measure to repeal Proposition 209, which prohibits preferential treatment based on these factors in public employment and education.

The current investigation is part of a wider trend. The Trump administration has openly opposed diversity and inclusion efforts in hiring. Earlier this year, the Justice Department also looked into UC Berkeley and Stanford to assess compliance with a Supreme Court ruling that outlawed race-based affirmative action in college admissions.

The conversation around diversity in hiring is complex and evolving. A recent survey revealed that 67% of Americans support initiatives that promote workplace diversity. However, many are also concerned about how these initiatives are implemented. In a climate where political views strongly shape perceptions, the university will have to navigate carefully.

As this investigation unfolds, many are watching how it might reshape diversity policies not just in California, but across the country.



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