U.S. Department Of Justice Launches Investigation Into Whether UC’s Strategic Plan Led To Race And Sex Discrimination

On June 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division launched a formal investigation into whether the University of California violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by engaging in employment practices that discriminate based on race or sex. The investigation focuses on UC’s 2030 Capacity Plan, a strategic plan announced in 2022 that aims to increase enrollment by 23,000 students through measures such as expanding in-state access, accelerating graduation, and promoting diversity among students and faculty. In a letter to UC President Michael Drake, the Department of Justice said it has reason to believe the plan may have led to unlawful discrimination based on race or sex at some or all UC campuses and affiliated entities.