GET THE APP
Thursday, May 7, 2026

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

46 minutes ago
News
Politics

Tennessee House Approves Redistricted Map Likely to Hand GOP Entire Congressional Delegation.

The Tennessee House has passed a redistricting proposal likely to reshape the political landscape by eliminating a racially gerrymandered Democrat district.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: The Tennessee House has passed a redistricting proposal that would divide Memphis, a Democrat-controlled, racially gerrymandered district, into three separate congressional districts. The final vote was 64 to 24, with two Republican lawmakers from Memphis joining Democrats in opposition.
📺 DETAIL: The proposed map would likely eliminate the only Democrat-held congressional seat in Tennessee by splitting Memphis, which was racially gerrymandered in order to create a Democrat-leaning black majority district, across three separate districts. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling that race should not be a factor in determining congressional lines, leading many Southern states to move to abolish racially gerrymandered districts they were forced to create by the Voting Rights Act. Similar redistricting efforts are underway in other states, including Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida, and, if successful, should secure more congressional seats for the GOP in the November midterms.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “We owe it to Tennesseans to ensure our congressional districts accurately reflect the will of Tennessee voters,” said Tennessee Governor Bill Lee (R) in a statement, emphasizing the need for fairness and legality in the redistricting process.
🎯 IMPACT: If the redistricting plan is approved by the state Senate—where thge GOP commands a supermajority—and signed by Governor Lee, it could significantly alter Tennessee’s congressional representation, reducing Democrat influence in the state. The broader redistricting battles across the country could determine who controls the U.S. House of Representatives after November.

Image by FaceMePLS.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad
More From The Pulse

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

2 hours ago
News
Religion
War

IDF Promises Investigation After Israeli Soldier Desecrates Virgin Mary Statue.

An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier faces disciplinary action after a photo showed him placing a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, marking the second time an Israeli soldier has desecrated a Catholic symbol in a Christian Lebanese village in recent weeks.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier was photographed desecrating a Blessed Virgin Mary statue in the Christian village of Debel, southern Lebanon. The image, shared online, has prompted the IDF to announce disciplinary measures against the soldier.
📰 DETAIL: The incident occurred weeks ago but was only recently shared online. It follows other acts of vandalism by IDF soldiers in the same village, including the destruction of a statue of Jesus Christ crucified and damage to solar panels. The IDF said the conduct “completely deviates” from military values and promised disciplinary action, while spokesman Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani said the Israeli military respects all religions and holy sites. Father Fadi Felfeli, head of Debel’s congregation, condemned the act as unethical and extremist, saying it deeply angered residents who value peace and neutrality in the conflict. The Roman Catholic Church’s representative in the Holy Land also denounced the incident and urged Israel to ensure such behavior is not repeated.
🎯 IMPACT: The incident is one of several that have strained Israel’s relations with the Christian community since the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas in 2023. The new controversy comes as Israeli troops remain in parts of southern Lebanon despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah that began on April 16 but has failed to halt all fighting. Lebanese officials say more than 120 people, including civilians, have been killed in Israeli strikes over the past week, while Hezbollah continues rocket, drone, and mortar attacks on Israeli forces and northern Israel. Lebanese authorities say at least 2,715 people have been killed since the war began on March 2, while Israel says 17 soldiers and three Israeli civilians have died.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Honestly, this issue really provoked us, especially after the apology regarding the cross. It also shows that there are individuals within the [Israeli] army that lack ethics and values and are bigoted. This reflects a great deal of fanaticism.” – Father Fadi Felfeli.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier faces disciplinary action after a photo showed him placing a cigarette in the mouth of a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, marking the second time an Israeli soldier has desecrated a Catholic symbol in a Christian Lebanese village in recent weeks.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

2 hours ago
News
War

Iran Weighs 14-Point Peace Deal, Including Nuclear Curbs.

Tehran is weighing a U.S. proposal to end the Iran war, with reports suggesting that an initial agreement is within reach.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Iran is expected to respond to the United States’ proposal aimed at ending the Iran War “sooner rather than later,” according to recent reports.
📰 DETAIL: On Wednesday, it was confirmed by Iranian officials that the country was reviewing a proposal put forward by the United States to end the war and open the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal reportedly includes a ban on Iran’s enrichment of uranium for ten years, a reduction from an initially proposed 20 years. As of midday on Thursday, the Islamic Republic has not yet issued an official response to the 14-point plan. However, if Iran agrees to the terms set by the United States, the plan could trigger a 30-day negotiation period. Reports of a potential deal come as tensions between Iran and the U.S. remain high, despite an indefinitely extended ceasefire, which has been in effect since late April. President Donald J. Trump has signaled his optimism, describing recent talks as “very good” and suggesting that a deal was within reach. Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are being mediated by Pakistan, which will convey Iran’s response to the proposal. According to Pakistani officials on Thursday, a deal between the U.S. and Iran is expected “sooner rather than later.“
💬 KEY QUOTE: “We hope the parties will reach a peaceful and sustainable solution that will contribute not only to peace in our region but to international peace as well.” – Tahir Andrabi, spokesman for Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry.
🎯 IMPACT: The outcome of the negotiations could mark a major step towards ending the Iran war and stabilizing global oil prices. On Wednesday, the price of Brent crude oil, a short-term price benchmark, fell significantly, after President Trump said that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen. However, the President also warned that failure to reach a deal could lead to further military action. “Assuming Iran agrees to give what has been agreed to, which is, perhaps, a big assumption, the already legendary Epic Fury will be at an end, and the highly effective Blockade will allow the Hormuz Strait to be OPEN TO ALL, including Iran,” he announced in a Truth Social posted on Wednesday.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

Tehran is weighing a U.S. proposal to end the Iran war, with reports suggesting that an initial agreement is within reach.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

3 hours ago
Crime
Immigration
UK

Foreign-Born Border Official Guilty of Spying for China.

A British Border Force official originally from Hong Kong has been found guilty of using his position to spy on Chinese dissidents for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Chi Leung “Peter” Wai, a British Border Force official, was convicted of spying for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), utilizing his access to immigration databases to track Hong Kong dissidents in Britain. The conviction is the first of its kind in the United Kingdom.
🎯 IMPACT: The conviction highlights vulnerabilities within British national security and raises concerns about foreign influence and espionage activities, as well as the risks and conflicts of interests involved in recruiting immigrants to work as immigration officials.
📰 DETAIL: Wai, alongside Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen, was found guilty of assisting a foreign intelligence service, with Wai also convicted of misconduct in public office. The jury could not reach a verdict on charges of foreign interference, and the prosecution will not seek a retrial. Wai’s activities included gathering intelligence on Hong Kong dissidents and pro-democracy protesters, with a focus on British politicians. The case was exposed in May 2024 when police thwarted an alleged attempt to abduct a former Hong Kong resident in West Yorkshire, England, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals involved in the operation.
👀 FLASHBACK:  Notably, it was reported in 2023 that the British government was itself “doxxing” Chinese dissidents based in the United Kingdom, providing the CCP with their addresses and bank details in accordance with an international tax treaty. Chinese espionage is also a growing threat in the United States, with Chinese nationals in the U.S. becoming involved in industrial and scientific espionage, with one notable case seeing a Chinese researcher charged with smuggling a toxic fungus that could have been used for “agroterroism” into the country.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

A British Border Force official originally from Hong Kong has been found guilty of using his position to spy on Chinese dissidents for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

4 hours ago
Election Integrity
News

Judge Rejects Bid by Fulton County to Get Back 2020 Ballots Seized by DOJ.

A federal judge has ruled against a request by Fulton County officials to recover 2020 ballots seized by the Department of Justice, citing insufficient legal grounds.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A federal judge has rejected Fulton County’s legal bid to have ballots and other election materials seized by the Department of Justice (DOJ) returned.
📺 DETAIL: Initially, ballots and election materials were seized from Fulton County, Georgia, by the Department of Justice (DOJ) as part of an investigation into the 2020 presidential election. In response, Fulton County officials claimed that the affidavit used to obtain the search warrants was flawed. Specifically, Fulton County officials alleged the affidavit was incomplete and misleading. However, on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee ruled that, while the affidavit was imperfect, the flaws were not severe enough to invalidate the warrants, and refused to order the DOJ to return ballots and other election materials seized from Fulton County.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “While the Affidavit was certainly far from perfect, this is not a situation where an officer left out all the facts that might undermine probable cause or where an officer intentionally lied.” — U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee.
🎯 IMPACT: The ruling allows federal authorities to retain the seized materials, potentially setting a precedent for future ballot seizures. This decision constitutes an undeniable setback for Fulton County officials and others trying to obstruct the investigation into voter fraud during the 2020 presidential election. Despite the judge’s decision, Fulton County has vowed to continue its lawfare campaign against the Trump administration. According to the affidavit, which was unsealed back in February, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was authorized to seize “all physical ballots from the 2020 General Election in Fulton County… All tabulator tapes for every voting machine used in Fulton County… All ballot images produced during the original ballot count beginning on November 3, 2020… All voter rolls from the 2020 General Election in Fulton County from absentee, early voting, in person, and any other voter roll that indicates voters…”

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

A federal judge has ruled against a request by Fulton County officials to recover 2020 ballots seized by the Department of Justice, citing insufficient legal grounds.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

4 hours ago
Crime

Judge Unseals Jeffrey Epstein Note Claiming Investigators ‘Found Nothing.’

A judge has released a document purported to be a suicide note by pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, claiming investigators had “found nothing.”

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A judge has ordered the release of a document purported to be a suicide note written by pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, a month before his death in 2019. The note, which was unsealed on May 6, mentions a months-long investigation that “found nothing” and states that it is “a treat to be able to choose one’s time to say goodbye.”
📰 DETAIL:  The seven-line note was allegedly discovered by Epstein’s former cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, tucked inside a book after a reported unsuccessful suicide attempt in July 2019. Tartaglione, a former police officer later convicted of four murders, had previously discussed the note publicly and denied accusations from Epstein that he assaulted him in jail. Federal prosecutors and The New York Times both sought the document’s release, arguing there was no longer a justification for keeping it sealed. In his ruling on Wednesday, Judge Kenneth M. Karas said public access to the note would promote accountability and confidence in the justice system, adding that Tartaglione’s public comments waived attorney-client privilege protections tied to the document. Epstein’s death was officially ruled a suicide, but ongoing scrutiny over security failures at the prison has fueled years of speculation surrounding the circumstances of his death. Jeffrey Epstein’s brother, Mark Epstein, has claimed that the death was murder, and that a peer-reviewed pathologist’s report will prove this.
🎯 IMPACT: The release of the note has reignited speculation about Epstein’s death. The veracity of the note remains ambiguous, however, with some claiming that physical evidence shows Epstein was actually murdered.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “It is a treat to be able to choose one’s time to say goodbye. Watcha want me to do – Bust out cryin!! NO FUN – NOT WORTH IT.” – Alleged Epstein suicide note.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

A judge has released a document purported to be a suicide note by pedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, claiming investigators had "found nothing."

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

5 hours ago
News
UK

Over 1,300 Voters Almost Did Not Receive Ballots Ahead of Crunch Election.

Over 1,300 postal voters in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, faced severe delays receiving their ballot papers ahead of critical local elections.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Over 1,300 voters in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, almost did not receive ballot papers for the May 7 elections due to a print failure by the contracted provider. The failure occurred just days before critical elections.
📺 DETAIL: Cardiff Council has revealed that 1,388 postal voters in the constituencies of Caerdydd Ffynnon Taf and Caerdydd Penarth initially did not receive their ballot papers due to a failure by the contracted provider. Royal Mail confirmed that the missing postal votes were neither printed nor handed over for delivery. The council stated that while all the necessary data had been submitted to the contracted provider, the total number of voting ballot packs was not delivered as planned. The missing postal ballots were reported on Monday, just days before crunch local elections on Thursday. To rectify the issue, the council had to hand-deliver the missing packs of ballots as well as send them via priority mail.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Our immediate priority is to enable members of the electorate affected by the issue with the supplementary voter pack print run to exercise their democratic right.” – Cardiff Council spokesman.
🎯 IMPACT: If the ballot packs were not hand-delivered or mailed, almost 1,400 voters would not have been able to vote in the critical local elections this week. On Thursday, people in Wales will elect representatives for the Senedd, the Welsh Parliament, roughly equivalent to a U.S. state legislature. This is the first time Wales is using a new proportional voting system. The number of seats in the Senedd has also been expanded from 60 to 96. According to recent polls, the left-separatist Plaid Cymru party and Nigel Farage’s Party are leading the pack, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, which has controlled the Senedd since it was founded in 1999, is on track for a crushing defeat.

Image by Seth Whales.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

Over 1,300 postal voters in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, faced severe delays receiving their ballot papers ahead of critical local elections.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

6 hours ago
News

Rudy Giuliani Transferred from ICU to Regular Hospital Ward.

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is recovering after a critical health scare linked to a respiratory condition tied to his 9/11 efforts.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Rudy Giuliani, former New York City Mayor and attorney to President Donald J. Trump, was hospitalized on Sunday with pneumonia and placed in intensive care. His condition was critical, requiring mechanical ventilation, but he is now breathing independently and recovering in a regular hospital ward.
📺 DETAIL: Giuliani’s spokesman, Ted Goodman, confirmed his illness was linked to restrictive airway disease, attributed to Giuliani’s constant presence near Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks. His partner, Maria Ryan, disclosed that a priest administered the last rites when his health deteriorated upon returning from Paris, France. Giuliani is applying for the World Trade Center Health Program, which aids people impacted by 9/11-related health issues.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Best Mayor in the History of New York City” – President Trump
🎯 IMPACT: Giuliani’s health scare highlights the long-term consequences faced by many first responders and public officials involved in the aftermath of 9/11. His application for the World Trade Center Health Program underscores the ongoing need for support for those affected by the attacks. Notably, his latest near-death experience follows President Trump’s promise to award him the Medal of Freedom following a car crash in September.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is recovering after a critical health scare linked to a respiratory condition tied to his 9/11 efforts.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

7 hours ago
Health
News

Mycotoxins Found in ‘Almost All’ Plant-Based Meat and Drinks.

A new study warns about the prevalence of mycotoxins in plant-based food and drink products and the health risks stemming from cumulative exposure.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A new study has revealed the widespread prevalence of dangerous mycotoxins in plant-based food and drink products in the United Kingdom, raising concerns about their oversight and regulation.
📺 DETAIL: All 212 plant-based products tested in a study published by Food Control, an international academic journal dedicated to food safety research, contained at least one of 19 mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are naturally occurring, toxic chemical compounds produced by fungi that grow on crops and food, especially grains, cereals, nuts, legumes, seeds, and spices, during storage and cultivation. The study tested plant-based burgers, vegetarian chicken, vegan sausages, and oat, almond, and soy-based milk substitutes. Although the mycotoxin levels recorded were below recommended guideline limits, the researchers warned that cumulative toxin exposure was still a risk. Cumulative exposure to mycotoxins can create health problems, including immune system suppression, liver damage, kidney damage, and cancer. The researchers further noted a lack of oversight and regulation in the creation of plant-based products.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “In very serious cases, mycotoxin exposure can cause health issues like liver and kidney damage, immune system suppression, and cancer.” – Researchers behind the study published in Food Control
🎯 IMPACT: The study’s findings underscore the need for more research, regulation, and oversight of plant-based alternative foods. It represents another hit to the plant-based food industry. In November last year, Beyond Meat, one of the leading businesses in the market for plant-based products, posted a $110.7 million loss for the July-to-September quarter, representing a 10 percent drop in sales and an eight percent plunge in its stock value.

Image by Granger.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

A new study warns about the prevalence of mycotoxins in plant-based food and drink products and the health risks stemming from cumulative exposure.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

19 hours ago
News
War

Canada’s Incoming Top Official Considers ‘White Boys’ a Threat.

Louise Arbour, Canada’s incoming Governor-General, has sparked controversy with 2022 remarks about the military’s demographic makeup, claiming they are not diverse enough, while actual military preparedness sits at abysmal levels.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Louise Arbour, appointed as Canada’s new Governor-General, has faced scrutiny over her previous comments criticizing the supposed lack of diversity in the Canadian Armed Forces. She is set to assume her role in early June, working closely with King Charles III as the Crown’s representative in Canada.
📰 DETAIL: In a 2022 interview, Arbour suggested that the military should emulate civilian sectors in diversity efforts, criticizing the recruitment of “white boys who like guns but don’t like women or anybody who doesn’t look like them.” The remarks were made in the context of a broader critique of military culture, in which she argued that ongoing recruitment patterns could perpetuate supposedly exclusionary attitudes and called for greater reliance on external institutions, such as human rights bodies and civilian academia, to improve diversity and oversight. The resurfacing of her comments has sparked debate over her suitability for the largely ceremonial but symbolically significant Governor-General role, particularly among critics who view the remarks as disparaging to service members.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “If you just recruit white boys who like guns but don’t like women or anybody who doesn’t look like them, you’ll perpetuate that culture.” – Arbour in an interview with Maclean’s magazine in 2022.
🎯 IMPACT: Canada has seen a surge in promoting diversity and LGBT issues in its military in recent years, while the actual readiness of Canada’s armed forces appears abysmal. A report from March suggested that half of the equipment owned by the Canadian armed forces is unserviceable. Notably, efforts to recruit large numbers of recent immigrants into the military have ended in disaster, with many recruits failing to graduate and displaying negative attitudes towards women.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

Louise Arbour, Canada's incoming Governor-General, has sparked controversy with 2022 remarks about the military's demographic makeup, claiming they are not diverse enough, while actual military preparedness sits at abysmal levels.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.

WE ARE 100% INDEPENDENT AND READER-FUNDED. FOR A GUARANTEED AD-FREE EXPERIENCE AND TO SUPPORT REAL NEWS, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE, TODAY.

19 hours ago
Education
News

DOJ Finds UCLA Med School Guilty of Racial Discrimination Against Whites and Asians.

The Department of Justice has determined that UCLA’s medical school prioritized racial demographics over merit in its admissions process, violating federal law.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: The Department of Justice (DOJ) has concluded that the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) engaged in racial discrimination during its admissions process, allegedly favoring black and Hispanic applicants over white and Asian candidates despite federal and state bans on race-based admissions
📺 DETAIL: In a findings letter released Tuesday, the DOJ said its yearlong civil rights investigation uncovered communications among UCLA officials discussing ways to preserve diversity goals despite the Supreme Court’s 2023 ruling against affirmative action. The department found some admitted minority applicants had lower academic metrics than rejected applicants from other racial groups and accused the school of using essay prompts and other criteria as indirect racial proxies. Federal officials said they are seeking a “voluntary resolution agreement” with the university and have not announced charges or penalties. UCLA responded by claiming that its admissions system is merit-based and said it is reviewing the DOJ’s findings. The investigation is part of a broader Trump administration effort to challenge diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at universities nationwide.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “UCLA’s admissions process has been focused on racial demographics at the expense of merit and excellence—allowing racial politics to distract the school from the vital work of training great doctors.” – Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon.
🎯 IMPACT: The findings cast doubt on the integrity of UCLA’s admissions process and its commitment to merit-based selection, raising broader concerns about compliance with the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action.
📺 FLASHBACK: In 2023, the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action in college admissions through its decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, emphasizing the unconstitutionality of race-based preferences.

Image by Nikhil Kulkarni.

Join Pulse+ to comment below, and receive exclusive e-mail analyses.

show less

The Department of Justice has determined that UCLA's medical school prioritized racial demographics over merit in its admissions process, violating federal law.

show more
By Popular Demand.
The National Pulse Now has an on-site comments section for members. Sign up today and be part of the conversation in our community of almost 15,000.
Pulse Ad
Pulse Ad