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    Whistleblower Exposes Illegal Race-Based Admissions Practices at UCLA Medical School

    UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine, long considered one of the top medical schools globally, has been embroiled in controversy over allegations of continued use of racial preferences in admissions, despite a California state law banning such practices since 1996. Whistleblowers within the institution claim that these practices have led to a significant decline in student competence.

    The school, which receives up to 14,000 applications annually and accepted just 173 students in 2023, maintains rigorous admission standards. The median accepted student typically has a 3.8 GPA and scores in the 88th percentile on the MCAT. However, some faculty members argue that students admitted under lower standards struggle with the demanding curriculum.

    A case in point occurred in November 2021, when the admissions committee reviewed a black applicant with significantly lower grades and test scores. When an admissions officer expressed concerns, the dean of admissions, Jennifer Lucero, reportedly responded angrily, emphasizing the need for diversity in the medical profession. “Did you not know African-American women are dying at a higher rate than everybody else?” she allegedly asked, justifying the candidate’s admission despite lower metrics.

    This incident highlights ongoing concerns among some faculty that UCLA’s admissions process prioritizes diversity over merit. These concerns have been corroborated by internal emails and interviews with faculty members, revealing a perceived inconsistency in applying admission criteria. One admissions officer questioned whether similar discussions would occur if the applicant were of a different race.

    Jennifer Lucero, who has overseen admissions since June 2020, is said to have shifted the focus towards diversity, resulting in classes that some claim are less qualified. The impact has been noted in declining academic performance, with more than 50% of some cohorts failing standardized tests, according to internal data. These tests, essential for clinical competence, have shown a failure rate at UCLA significantly higher than the national average.

    Whistleblowers argue that the admissions process under Lucero has relaxed standards for black and Latino applicants while maintaining strict criteria for white and Asian candidates. This approach, they claim, has led to a “failed medical school” where a considerable number of students struggle with basic medical knowledge.

    The controversy extends beyond admissions. Lucero has faced accusations of racially charged incidents, including reprimanding officials who question minority candidates’ qualifications and mandating diversity training. These actions, some faculty argue, have demoralized staff and led to resignations.

    Changes in the medical school curriculum have compounded these issues. Since 2020, the preclinical curriculum was condensed to one year, emphasizing social justice topics over traditional scientific education. Courses like “Structural Racism and Health Equity” and “Foundations of Practice” have been criticized for taking up time that could be used for essential medical training.

    The decline in academic standards has coincided with a notable demographic shift. The number of Asian matriculants at UCLA’s medical school fell by almost a third between 2019 and 2022, a trend not seen at other elite California medical schools. As the student body became more diverse, the failure rates on standardized medical exams soared.

    Faculty members report a significant number of students failing three or more shelf exams, forcing some to repeat classes and delay crucial licensing exams. Around 20% of UCLA medical students have not taken the Step 2 exam by their fourth year, with 10% not having taken Step 1, leading to extended medical education for many.

    A number of people on social media commented on the situation, including Elon Musk:

    UCLA did not respond to requests for comment on these allegations. The situation at UCLA offers a glimpse into how medical schools might navigate the legal landscape surrounding affirmative action, with significant implications for the future of medical education and healthcare equity.