The Department of Education launched a civil rights investigation into the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine for alleged racial discrimination in admissions.
The Department of Education has initiated a civil rights investigation into the Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine to determine if the institution is practicing racial discrimination in its admissions process. Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey noted that many schools currently prioritize racial quotas over merit-based selection. The investigation follows a series of executive orders from the administration aimed at reforming diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. In January 2025, the administration signed an order prohibiting race- and sex-based preferences in education to ensure compliance with the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Additionally, an August 2025 order required institutions receiving federal funding to maintain full transparency regarding their admissions data. Dartmouth spokeswoman Jana Barnello stated that the school remains confident in its process and will provide the requested information. The Geisel School is one of five medical universities currently under review, alongside East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, and William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine.