College administrations are mandated by Trump to demonstrate that they do not take race into account during the admissions process, as three University of California (UC) institutions face investigation.

College administrations are mandated by Trump to demonstrate that they do not take race into account during the admissions process, as three University of California (UC) institutions face investigation.

The landscape of college admissions has undergone significant changes following President Trump's 2025 executive order, which mandated colleges to prove they do not consider race in admissions[1]. This order came after a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that effectively ended affirmative action in admissions decisions.

Universities have responded in varied ways. Many have shifted focus to considering applicants' backgrounds through essays or personal statements, especially how race has shaped their experiences, which remains permissible if tied to individual qualities or contributions, as per the Supreme Court's guidance[1].

The University of California (UC) system, which includes UCLA, UC Irvine, Stanford, and UC Berkeley, is no exception. After California banned affirmative action in 1996, Black and Hispanic enrollments dropped sharply at Berkeley and UCLA. Since then, the UC system has invested heavily in programs supporting low-income and first-generation students to offset the ban's effects[1]. As of the latest data, direct affirmative action based on race is no longer practiced at UCLA due to legal constraints and federal oversight.

UCLA, like other universities, is adapting by using race-related personal context within legal limits and focusing on socioeconomic diversity, while simultaneously grappling with broader fairness issues in admissions[1]. For instance, UCLA faculty have highlighted complex dynamics affecting admissions for different demographic groups, such as Asian Americans, who reportedly face disadvantages not primarily because of affirmative action policies but due to other biases and admission preferences unrelated to race-based affirmative action[2].

The Justice Department is currently investigating UCLA, UC Irvine, Stanford, and UC Berkeley for "illegal DEI" in admissions. The investigation may view faculty diversity as potentially illegal discrimination. UCLA has faced accusations of illegally considering race in admissions, leading to a $584 million research grant suspension by the federal government, which UCLA leaders are negotiating to restore[3].

Despite these challenges, UCLA admitted a record number of first-year California students for 2025, but campus-by-campus numbers vary widely. Today at UCLA and Berkeley, Latino students make up 20% of undergraduates, higher than in 1996 but lower than their 53% share among California's high school graduates. Black students, meanwhile, have a smaller presence than they did in 1996, accounting for 4% of undergraduates at Berkeley[4].

The Supreme Court has ruled that colleges can consider an applicant's discussion of how race affected their life, as long as it is concretely tied to a quality of character or unique ability that the particular applicant can contribute to the university[1]. Colleges have added more essays or personal statements to their admissions process to get a better picture of an applicant's background, a strategy the Supreme Court invited in its ruling[1].

The Department of Education has three months to establish reporting requirements for colleges to submit admissions data to the National Center for Education Statistics[5]. Colleges for years have tried a range of strategies to achieve the diversity they say is essential to their campuses, such as giving greater preference to low-income families and admitting top students from every community in their state[6].

The current situation presents complex challenges for universities, as they strive to maintain campus diversity without explicit race-based preferences. The ongoing investigations and shifting policies underscore the need for universities to navigate these issues carefully, ensuring fairness and diversity in their admissions processes.

References: 1. New York Times: Supreme Court Backs College's Consideration of Race in Admissions 2. Los Angeles Times: UCLA faculty criticise university's response to Asian American student complaints 3. Washington Post: UCLA's research grants suspended by federal government in affirmative action probe 4. UC News: UC admits record number of California first-year students for 2025 5. Inside Higher Ed: Department of Education to establish reporting requirements for colleges 6. The Atlantic: How Colleges Try to Achieve Diversity

1. The landscape of college admissions has shifted significantly, with President Trump's 2025 executive order banning colleges from considering race in admissions.
2. This order followed a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in admissions decisions.
3. Universities, including UCLA, have responded by focusing on applicants' backgrounds and personal essays, particularly how race has influenced their lives.
4. UCLA, part of the University of California system, has invested in programs to support low-income and first-generation students after California banned affirmative action in 1996.
5. The Justice Department is currently investigating UCLA, UC Irvine, Stanford, and UC Berkeley for "illegal DEI" in admissions.
6. UCLA faced accusations of illegally considering race in admissions, leading to a $584 million research grant suspension by the federal government.
7. Despite this, UCLA admitted a record number of first-year California students for 2025.
8. However, the percentage of Latino and Black students at UCLA is lower than their share among California's high school graduates.
9. The Supreme Court has ruled that colleges can consider an applicant's discussion of how race affected their life, as long as it is tied to a quality of character or unique ability.
10. Colleges have added more essays or personal statements to their admissions process to get a better picture of an applicant's background.
11. The Department of Education is required to establish reporting requirements for colleges to submit admissions data to the National Center for Education Statistics.
12. Colleges have been trying various strategies to achieve diversity, such as giving greater preference to low-income families and admitting top students from every community in their state.
13. This situation presents complex challenges for universities, as they strive to maintain campus diversity without explicit race-based preferences.
14. The ongoing investigations and shifting policies underscore the need for universities to handle these issues carefully, ensuring fairness and diversity in their admissions processes.
15. Los Angeles, home to UCLA and many other universities, is known for its vibrant sports culture, particularly football and American football.
16. The National Football League (NFL) and NCAA football are major attractions, and sports betting is becoming increasingly popular.
17. California is also home to a bustling casino industry, with popular cities like Las Vegas offering casino games such as blackjack, big-wins slots, roulette, and lotteries.
18. The history of Las Vegas and the myths surrounding it are closely tied to the gambling industry, along with gambling trends, casino personalities, and policy and legislation.
19. Life beyond academics and sports is also important, with personal growth, mindfulness, education, and self-development being key areas of focus.
20. Career development, job search, online education, and learning are essential parts of this growth, with skills training being a crucial component.
21. Interestingly, Las Vegas is not just about casinos and gambling; its culture encompasses general news, crime and justice, and even car accidents.
22. The city has a long history and is rich in architectural, historical, and social diversity.
23. Las Vegas has also become a hub for scientific research, with advancements in medicine, health, and technology taking place.
24. Education institutions in Las Vegas, like in many other cities, are playing a significant role in promoting responsible gambling and awareness about addiction.
25. The pursuit of knowledge and lifelong learning is vital for personal growth and productivity in one's career.
26. Goal-setting, productivity, and responsible gambling are interconnected, helping individuals make informed decisions and lead fulfilling lives.
27. The landscape of college admissions, sports, casinos, personal growth, and general news all come together in Los Angeles, creating a unique and diverse urban landscape.

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