Dear Members of the George Washington University Community,
In January, the university informed the community that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) had opened a Title VI compliance review related to DEI in student admissions at GW and related matters. Yesterday, the university received a letter from the DOJ regarding its compliance review specific to the School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) admissions process.
The DOJ concluded that in the years since the 2023 Supreme Court decision in SFFA v. Harvard, SMHS has discriminated against Asian and white medical school applicants based on applicants’ race. We are disappointed by the DOJ’s conclusions, which we firmly believe are incorrect. Our SMHS admissions process complies with the law. The university has been and remains steadfastly committed to non-discrimination and Title VI compliance while advancing our academic mission and pursuing excellence in preparing health care leaders.
We are closely reviewing the letter, and to this process the university will bring the thoughtful consideration, rigor, and care that it requires and that our community expects. While legal processes limit the specific details the university can share publicly at any given moment, we will provide community updates as we are able to do so.
Most important, please know that our commitment to fairness, lawful practices, and supporting all of our students, faculty, and staff remains unwavering.
Sincerely,
Ellen M. Granberg
President