Justice Department sues Harvard for data as it investigates how race factors into admissions - AP News
AP News
February 13, 2026
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The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against Harvard University, seeking access to data that could shed light on how race influences its admissions processes. The DOJ’s investigation is part of a broader effort to examine whether Harvard’s policies on racial diversity in higher education comply with federal laws. This legal action comes amid ongoing debates about affirmative action and the role of race in college admissions.
The suit, which was filed in U.S. District Court in Boston, Massachusetts, aims to obtain records related to Harvard’s undergraduate admission practices over the past two decades. The DOJ is particularly interested in data that could reveal whether African American, Hispanic, and other minority applicants have faced discrimination or been unfairly disadvantaged in the admissions process. This move by the Justice Department reflects its commitment to enforcing civil rights laws and ensuring fairness in education.
Harvard has long maintained that it considers race as one of many factors in its admissions decisions, arguing that diversity enriches campus life and fosters inclusive learning environments. However, opponents of affirmative action argue that such policies can lead to unequal treatment based on race, potentially violating anti-discrimination laws. The DOJ’s lawsuit is part of a larger push by conservative groups and legal advocates who believe that race should not be a deciding factor in college admissions.
The case has significant implications for higher education institutions across the country, particularly those with similar affirmative action policies. It could set a precedent for how schools handle racial data in their admissions processes and may influence future debates about diversity and inclusion on college campuses. The outcome of this legal battle will likely shape the future of race-related policies in education, making it a critical issue for students, educators, and policymakers alike.
Ultimately, the DOJ’s lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between promoting diversity and ensuring equal treatment under the law. As the case unfolds, it will be closely watched by those interested in civil rights, educational equity, and the future of affirmative action in American colleges and universities.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/13/2026