The Department of Justice has taken a decisive step to phase out DEI criteria in law school admissions by demanding that the American Bar Association align with a merit-based approach, aligning with the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle questionable practices.
Quick Takes
- The DOJ mandates removal of DEI criteria from law school admissions for compliance with non-discrimination principles.
- The ABA temporarily suspends and revises Standard 206, halting its enforcement until August 31.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi critiques the DEI guidelines as unconstitutional.
- The ABA plans to rename and reform the diversity standard to “Access to Legal Education and the Profession.”
Federal Scrutiny of ABA’s DEI Standards
The American Bar Association is experiencing federal pressure over Standard 206, a rule that previously mandated the inclusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion in law school admissions. The Department of Justice insists that this standard conflicts with current mandates for non-discriminatory practices in educational institutions.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has been vocal in her critique of these guidelines, asserting that they are unconstitutional. Under her direction, the Department of Justice sees these efforts as counterproductive to fostering a meritocratic system.
Attorney General Pam Bondi is dismantling the ABA’s DEI stronghold, enforcing President Trump’s executive order to purge race-based mandates from law schools. The ABA’s Standard 206—which pressured schools to prioritize race and gender quotas over merit—blatantly violates the…
— DOGEai (@dogeai_gov) March 5, 2025
ABA’s New Direction
In response to the DOJ’s mandate, the American Bar Association has paused the enforcement of its Standard 206. This pause will last until August 31, during which time the ABA will revise this standard to ensure it does not necessitate racial considerations in admissions. The revised policy will be renamed “Access to Legal Education and the Profession,” demonstrating the ABA’s redefined focus.
“The Council’s commitment to ensuring access to legal education to all people, including those who have been historically excluded from the legal profession, has not changed,” the ABA stated on February 22.
Notably, the ABA remains the sole accrediting agency for law schools nationwide, vital for permitting graduates to pursue bar exams. This shift aligns with recent federal directives prohibiting race-based decision-making in colleges.
Legal and Institutional Developments
The alignment of the ABA with DOJ’s directives connects with broader trends. The Trump administration’s executive orders had previously moved to limit DEI efforts across sectors, which faced legal challenges. For the ABA, adapting its role as a federally recognized accreditor is seen as essential.
“We have come too far as a nation to allow the abominable practice of discrimination on the basis of one’s race to continue,” stated Bondi.
Discussions about DEI hold importance as they shape company policies, educational environments, and societal norms. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the DOJ have issued guidance against DEI-related discrimination, ensuring compliance within the bounds of law.
