Federal Judge Throws Out Administration's Attempt to Shake Down Harvard for Admissions Data
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A U.S. district judge tossed the Justice Department's lawsuit demanding Harvard University hand over applicant-level admissions records, finding procedural flaws and refusing to bless the administration's campaign without even reaching the discrimination claim.
A federal judge in Boston dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department that sought to force Harvard University to turn over detailed admissions records. The ruling, issued on Monday, rested on procedural defects rather than any finding on the merits of whether the university still considers race in its admissions process.
Judge Allison J. Joun, a Biden-appointed judge, agreed with Harvard that the complaint failed to show the department had taken all legally required steps to secure voluntary compliance before resorting to litigation. > "For example, the complaint does not allege that DOJ informed Harvard of the action it would take — namely, litigation — should Harvard fail to comply, nor does the complaint allege the specific failure identified," Joun wrote.
The Justice Department filed the case in February, claiming Harvard had not supplied the data needed to assess compliance with the Supreme Court's 2023 decision barring race-conscious admissions programs and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Harvard officials said the lawsuit was retaliation for the university's refusal to reshape its governance and programs to satisfy the administration's demands.
Harvard has previously won rulings against the administration in separate cases involving attempts to cut federal grants, block international student programs, and sue over alleged harassment of Jewish and Israeli students. The university recently reported a decline in Black undergraduate enrollment, falling to 9.3% for the class of 2030.
Judge Joun indicated that the Justice Department could refile the case if it follows additional administrative procedures, but he did not address whether Harvard had engaged in discriminatory practices.