Investigation Launched into Harvard Law Review’s Article Selection Process
April 29, 2025, 12:13 PM CDT
The investigation into Harvard Law Review is linked to allegations of discrimination affecting its operations.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has initiated an investigation into the Harvard Law Review following claims of race-based discrimination linked to its membership and article selection processes. This inquiry raises significant questions under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits racial discrimination in federally funded educational programs.
Allegations of Discriminatory Practices
Central to the investigation are allegations suggesting that the Harvard Law Review’s practices may favor applicants based on race rather than merit. Specifically, the review is accused of employing a “spoils system,” whereby the racial identity of contributors could potentially outweigh the quality of their submissions.
Craig Trainor, acting assistant secretary for civil rights at the Department of Education, commented, “Harvard Law Review’s article selection process appears to pick winners and losers on the basis of race.” These statements reflect serious concerns about equitable treatment in the publication process.
Background of the Investigation
The inquiry follows a report by the Washington Free Beacon, which indicated that race has a more substantial influence on editor and article selections than previously disclosed. This report scrutinized internal documents allegedly acquired from the Harvard Law Review, revealing instances where editorial decisions appeared biased based on the racial backgrounds of contributors.
For example, an unnamed editor reportedly expressed unease over the demographic composition of a group seeking to respond to a police reform article, noting that “four of the five want to reply are white men.” In another case, an expedited review was suggested for an article because the author was identified as a minority.
Institutional Response and Implications
The Harvard Law Review operates independently of Harvard Law School, a distinction emphasized by university officials amidst the ongoing investigation. A spokesperson for Harvard Law School stated, “We are committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and investigating any credibly alleged violations.”
This investigation coincides with broader governmental scrutiny of Harvard University, which has recently faced a freeze on over $2 billion in grants and contracts in light of these allegations, prompting the institution to pursue legal action.
Media Coverage
This issue has garnered attention from various outlets, including Reuters, Bloomberg Law, ABC News, and the Harvard Crimson, indicating the potential implications for academic integrity in race-related matters within educational institutions.
