Commentary

New Data Validate UCLA Medical School Admissions Scandal

  • By Do No Harm Staff
  • August 29, 2024
  • University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

Racial preferences in college admissions have been illegal in California since the passage of Proposition 209 in 1996. That hasn’t deterred the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, according to a story published by the Washington Free Beacon in May.   

The Free Beacon story uses two pieces of evidence to assert that the school is engaging in race-based admissions. First, interviews with faculty reveal that Dean of Admissions Jennifer Lucero has prioritized race in admissions. Second, data published by the Free Beacon reveal a significant increase in the proportion of black and Hispanic matriculants around the time that Lucero assumed her current position.

In tandem, these two pieces of evidence are strongly suggestive of an agenda to enforce racially conscious admissions. Still, a skeptic might raise the possibility that the demographics of the applicant pool shifted, and that the timing of that shift happened to coincide with Lucero’s appointment. This is a far-fetched proposition, and now we can say definitively that it’s not the case. 

Data received through a records request reveals that the demographics of applicants have barely changed in the last five years. The share of white or Asian applicants have never fallen below 72% or exceeded 75%, while the share of black or Hispanic applicants never fell below 18% or exceeded 20%.

Figure 1. UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine Demographics

Before Lucero took over in June 2020, the proportion of black or Hispanic matriculants almost perfectly mirrored the proportion of black or Hispanic applicants. The same goes for white or Asian matriculants and applicants. Divergence emerges after Lucero took over in June 2020. In only two years – between 2019 and 2021 – the share of white or Asian matriculants decreased from 73% to 57% while the share of black or Hispanic matriculants nearly doubled, from 16% to 30%.

The evidence is definitive: The Geffen School of Medicine has sullied their admissions process to the detriment of patient care.

We remain eager to connect with students who applied to UCLA’s medical school but were not accepted. If you or someone you know might be a fit, please connect with us.