The Trump administration has launched an investigation into Harvard University and the Harvard Law Review over allegations of race-based discrimination in the journal’s article selection process, Reuters reported.

The US Departments of Education and Health and Human Services argue that the Law Review may have violated Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by favoring submissions from racial minorities. Craig Trainor, the Education Department's acting assistant secretary for civil rights, said the process prioritized race above merit.

Harvard University indicated that it is dedicated to following all federal regulations and will investigate any credible complaints. The Harvard Law Review, a legally autonomous student-run journal, has yet to react, acccording to Reuters.

The probe comes amid Harvard’s ongoing lawsuit against the administration, challenging a freeze on $2.3bn in federal research funding. Harvard argues the freeze, tied to demands for changes in hiring and academic governance, violates its First Amendment rights. A federal judge has scheduled a hearing for July 21 to address the case.