On November 2, 2026, US District Judge Myong Joun dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration that sought to compel Harvard University to provide records related to its admissions process, particularly concerning race considerations.
The judge's decision was based on procedural grounds, indicating that the Justice Department did not follow necessary legal steps before resorting to litigation. Specifically, the complaint failed to demonstrate that Harvard was adequately informed of the potential legal actions that could follow non-compliance with the government's requests.
This case is part of a broader conflict between the Trump administration and Harvard, which has faced multiple legal challenges regarding its admissions policies and governance practices.
The administration's push for data stems from a Supreme Court ruling that prohibited race-conscious admissions, and recent data from Harvard revealed a decline in Black undergraduate enrollment, raising concerns about compliance with civil rights laws.
The ruling does not preclude the Justice Department from pursuing similar actions in the future if they adhere to proper procedures, leaving the door open for continued scrutiny of Harvard's admissions practices