By IANS,
Washington : US civil rights investigators have closed an investigation into whether Harvard and Princeton universities discriminate against Asian Americans in admissions after an Indian-American student withdrew his complaint, according to a Harvard spokesman.
The short-lived probe by Education Department’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) began with a complaint from an unnamed Indian-American student in California who was rejected at both schools, despite figuring near the top of his high school class.
The story went modestly viral; Harvard and Princeton have admission rates below 10 percent, and research suggests Asian-Americans must produce even higher grades and test scores to get in.
“We are pleased that the complaint against Harvard has been withdrawn and that OCR has closed the case. Harvard College welcomes talented students from all backgrounds, including Asian Americans,” the spokesman said.
“Our review of every applicant’s file is highly individualized and holistic, as we give serious consideration to all of the information we receive and all of the ways in which the candidate might contribute to our vibrant educational environment and community.”
Bloomberg, the source of the original story, was apparently unable to reach the California family to ascertain why the complaint was dropped.