The Trump administration has frozen $108 million in federal funding allocated to Duke Health, the medical and research arm of Duke University, amid accusations of “systemic racial discrimination” within the university's healthcare system. This decision follows an investigation launched a day prior, focusing on alleged racial preferences in hiring, admissions, governance, patient care, and other operational areas at Duke Health.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Education Secretary Linda McMahon addressed a letter to Duke University President Vincent Price, Board Chairman Adam Silver, and Duke Medicine Dean Mary Klotman, expressing concern that Duke Health may be violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which forbids race-based discrimination in federally funded programs. The letter demands a review of all policies for illegal race-based preferences and calls on Duke to form a “Merit and Civil Rights Committee” to cooperate with the federal government.
The funding freeze could become permanent if Duke does not comply and is found to be in violation. The administration views diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs as exacerbating racial conflict and undermining merit-based justice, especially in critical fields like medicine where competence directly impacts patient lives.
While Duke Health has yet to respond publicly, the administration's move aligns with President Trump’s ongoing efforts in his second term to dismantle DEI initiatives across federal agencies and institutions.
This action comes amid broader challenges for Duke University, including cuts to National Institutes of Health grants and pending workforce reductions.