From The Hill: The Trump administration has frozen $108 million to Duke University just days after it launched an investigation into alleged race-based discrimination at the institution.
The frozen funds from the National Institutes of Health will affect the Duke University School of Medicine, according to a senior administration official.
The frozen funds come after the Education Department and the Department of Health and Human Services sent a letter to Duke alleging race-based discrimination in the selection of law journal members, along with admissions, hiring and promotions practices.
The accusations are similar to those Trump officials have leveled at other organizations that have engaged in diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
The administration told Duke to make “necessary” personnel changes and institute reformed policies, including a “Merit and Civil Rights Committee.”
“I am proud to partner with [Health & Human Services] Secretary [Robert F.] Kennedy [Jr.] to ensure that Duke commits to excellence, integrity, and lawfulness in their training of our nation’s future leaders,” Education Secretary Linda McMahon said in a statement.
McMahon went on to slam Duke for the racist policies.
“If Duke illegally gives preferential treatment to law journal or medical school applicants based on those students’ immutable characteristics, that is an affront not only to civil rights law, but to the meritocratic character of academic excellence.”
Blatantly discriminatory practices that are illegal have become all too common in our educational institution.
Today, @SecKennedy and I sent Duke a letter insisting it restore merit and lawfulness on campus, and launched investigations into their conduct. pic.twitter.com/9BlRi0dtY4
— Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) July 28, 2025
READ MORE AT The Hill.
