DOJ Finds Ohio State Medical School Discriminated by Race; University Disputes Finding

Reported October 22, 2026 | Event date: October 21, 2026 | Status: Administrative investigative finding; disputed by the university.

The Justice Department announced that its investigation found race discrimination against White and Asian applicants to Ohio State University’s College of Medicine for the entering classes of 2023–2025. DOJ says the practices violated Title VI and the Supreme Court’s 2023 admissions decision.

The department cited differences among similarly qualified applicants and an admissions pathway that bypassed screening scores or interviews. It says it will seek a voluntary agreement and may sue if negotiations fail.

Ohio State’s response: The university rejects the finding, maintains that its admissions comply with applicable law, and says race, ethnicity and other protected classifications do not influence admissions. Reuters reports that Ohio State intends to challenge DOJ’s conclusions.

What is established: DOJ has issued an agency finding. This is not a court judgment resolving the disputed admissions practices.

Sources: Justice Department announcement, October 21 · Reuters: Ohio State’s response