The US Department of Education has opened a formal probe into Harvard University’s practice of favouring undergraduate applicants who are related to alumni or big donors, intensifying the scrutiny over its admissions policies.
The decision follows a complaint filed earlier in July by three Massachusetts-based advocates for minority groups, who argued Harvard’s use of donor and so-called “legacy” preferences is discriminatory. The groups demanded a halt to such practices if the Ivy League school is to continue to receive federal funds.
The Department of Education told the Financial Times in a statement: “The Office for Civil Rights can confirm that there is an open investigation of Harvard University under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.”