In a significant move that underscores the Trump administration’s commitment to combating alleged discrimination, Duke University’s medical school has had a staggering $108 million in federal research funding frozen amidst serious accusations of illegal racial preferences in its programs.
This substantial freeze, confirmed by an official from the Health and Human Services (HHS) agency to The Epoch Times, specifically targets National Institute of Health (NIH) research funding, halting a vital financial pipeline for the prestigious academic institution due to its alleged involvement in racial discrimination.
The allegations against Duke are wide-ranging and deeply concerning, encompassing “racial preferences and discriminatory activity” across various facets of its operations, including student admissions, recruitment, scholarships, financial aid, mentoring, enrichment programs, and even hiring and promotion practices.
As part of the federal government’s response, both HHS and the Department of Education are mandating the creation of a “Merit and Civil Rights Committee” at Duke. This committee’s primary purpose is to ensure that all federal funding is strictly allocated to research, medical education, and training, explicitly stating that funds should not be spent based on “race.”
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, in a joint letter to Duke University Medical School Dean Mary Klotman and other administrators, underscored the severity of the allegations. Their communication highlighted the Trump administration’s firm stance against practices that undermine civil rights and perpetuate inequality within educational institutions.
Adding to the university’s woes, the Trump administration also announced a parallel civil rights investigation into Duke’s law school. This probe addresses similar claims where applicants for the campus law journal were allegedly given preferential treatment based on their race, ethnicity, or leadership roles in affinity groups, further broadening the scope of the federal inquiry into university policies.
Secretary McMahon unequivocally stated that the federal investigation revealed “blatantly discriminatory practices” at Duke, asserting that such actions are illegal under the Constitution, antidiscrimination law, and Supreme Court precedent. Her remarks emphasized the administration’s unwavering resolve to prevent these practices from continuing in American educational institutions.
This decisive action aligns with President Donald Trump’s broader agenda, initiated shortly after his oath of office, through executive orders prohibiting DEI practices (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in education. These orders specifically target racial preferences in hiring and admission, mandatory diversity training, and affinity groups, reflecting a commitment to legal frameworks and the Supreme Court’s stance against affirmative action.
In a comprehensive effort to enforce these regulations, letters were dispatched to all K-12 schools and higher education institutions receiving federal funds, with President Trump advising that audits would commence with the wealthiest universities, signaling a nationwide crackdown on practices deemed discriminatory.
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