Washington: The US Department of Justice accused Yale School of Medicine of engaging in race-based discrimination in its admissions process. In a statement on Thursday, the department said that the school's leadership 'intentionally selected applicants based on their race.'

According to Anadolu Agency, Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division stated, 'Yale has continued its race-based admissions program despite the Supreme Court and the public's clear mandate for reform.' Dhillon emphasized, 'This Department will continue to shed light on these illegal practices, and demand that institutions of higher education comply with federal law.'

The Justice Department highlighted that, in general, Black and Hispanic applicants were admitted with 'consistently lower academic qualifications' than their White and Asian counterparts. This accusation underscores ongoing debates about affirmative action and race-based admissions policies in higher education institutions in the United States.

In response, Yale issued a statement on Thursday asserting that the students it admitted 'demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and personal commitment,' and expressed confidence in its 'rigorous admissions process.' Yale further stated, 'We will carefully review the Department of Justice's letter,' indicating that the institution will address the concerns raised by the Justice Department's accusations.