The U.S. Justice Department has accused the University of California, Berkeley School of Law of discriminating against White and Asian applicants while favoring Black candidates, citing admissions data reviewed during a federal civil-rights investigation.
The Justice Department and Department of Education announced their joint findings on September 9, 2026. Federal officials said Black applicants in 2025 had 5.8 times higher odds of admission than comparable White applicants after factors including LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA were taken into account.
Berkeley Law has rejected the allegation, saying race is not considered in its admissions decisions and that the school complies with federal law and California’s Proposition 209.
Federal review examined admissions data from 2019 to 2025
The findings followed a compliance review launched in March 2025. Berkeley Law provided applicant-level admissions data covering school years 2019 through 2025.
According to the Justice Department’s analysis, the data showed statistically significant racial differences in the 2024 and 2025 admissions cycles.
In 2024, DOJ said Black applicants had 6.5 times higher odds of admission than comparable White applicants. The figure stood at 5.8 times in 2025. Federal investigators also said Asian applicants were disadvantaged in comparison with Black applicants to a similar degree.
LSAT data became a major part of the case
The federal findings also focused on LSAT scores among admitted students.
For the 2024 and 2025 classes combined, DOJ said half of admitted Black applicants had LSAT scores below those of 95% of admitted White applicants. It also said 37% of admitted Black applicants scored below 99% of admitted White applicants.
Longer-term figures cited by investigators showed the median LSAT score for Black admits at around 165 between 2021 and 2025, compared with about 172 for White and Asian admits and roughly 169 for Hispanic admits.
LSAT scores are not the only factor considered in law-school admissions. Berkeley uses a broader review process that can include undergraduate performance, personal statements, recommendations, professional experience and other achievements. Similar questions about how standardized scores fit into admissions decisions also arise when students track SAT results and U.S. university applications.
Application practices also drew federal scrutiny
Investigators examined how Berkeley Law collected information about applicants’ backgrounds and how personal experiences could influence admissions decisions.
Federal officials argue that universities cannot use essays or other application materials as a substitute for racial preferences prohibited under the Supreme Court’s 2023 Students for Fair Admissions decision.
In its official Berkeley Law findings, the Justice Department said the admissions practices violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and conflicted with the Supreme Court ruling.
Berkeley Law rejects the discrimination finding
Berkeley Law has disputed the federal government’s conclusions and says its admissions policy does not allow race to determine whether an applicant is admitted.
The school says federal law and Proposition 209 do not prevent universities from pursuing a diverse student body through lawful race-neutral measures, including socioeconomic circumstances and an applicant’s individual experiences.
UC Berkeley’s central administration has also said students should be admitted on merit rather than race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin and has pledged to provide evidence showing that its admissions practices comply with applicable laws.
California already restricts racial preferences
The federal case comes decades after California voters approved Proposition 209 in 1996, restricting preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin in public education and other state programs.
The Supreme Court added another major restriction in 2023 through its Students for Fair Admissions ruling, which sharply limited race-conscious admissions at universities.
The Berkeley case now tests how selective institutions apply those restrictions while still considering applicants’ personal backgrounds and experiences.
Enrollment figures provide additional context
As of October 2025, Berkeley Law had 1,128 enrolled students, according to figures cited in reporting on the federal action. That total included 516 White students, 293 Asian students, 51 Black students and 130 Hispanic students.
The enrollment breakdown alone does not establish discrimination. DOJ’s finding relies instead on applicant-level data, statistical modeling and admissions practices reviewed during the investigation.
The issue also comes as university applicants continue to navigate competitive selection systems. Recent 2026 university admissions data following A-Level results shows how academic performance, available places and institutional requirements can shape admission outcomes, although the Berkeley dispute centers specifically on U.S. civil-rights law.
Federal lawsuit remains possible
The Justice Department’s finding does not amount to a final court judgment against Berkeley Law.
Federal officials said the government will seek settlement negotiations aimed at resolving the alleged Title VI violations. If those efforts fail, the department said it can file a federal lawsuit.
Berkeley continues to deny that race influenced its admissions decisions. The next major development will depend on whether the university and federal authorities reach an agreement or the dispute moves into court.
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