Duke Reopens Waitlist, Faces Federal Probe, Launches Healthcare High School, and Kicks Off 2025 Sports Season

Good afternoon, Blue Devils! It's Monday, August 25, 2025, and here's what's happening at Duke University. In an unexpected move, Duke has reopened its waitlist, enrolling approximately 50 additional students into the Class of 2029. This decision, announced less than two weeks before first-year move-in on August 16, aims to align the class size with recent trends. Interim Dean of Undergraduate Admissions, Kathy Phillips, cited factors such as students opting for gap years or changing plans over the summer as reasons for this adjustment. The U.S. Department of Education has initiated an investigation into Duke University and the Duke Law Journal over allegations of racial discrimination in editor selection practices. The probe will assess whether these practices violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination in federally funded education programs. University officials have yet to respond to these allegations. Duke Football is gearing up for the 2025 season opener against Elon on Saturday, August 30, at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium. Head Coach Manny Diaz has been leading the team through fall camp, with recent practices focusing on both offensive and defensive strategies. Fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead. In other sports news, SiriusXM has launched an exclusive ACC Fall Sports Season Preview Series, featuring insights into women's and men's soccer, volleyball, and field hockey. Duke's teams are prominently featured, with women's soccer ranked No. 4 and men's soccer at No. 15 in the preseason polls. Duke University is set to open a healthcare-focused high school in Durham in August 2025. This initiative aims to prepare students for in-demand, well-paying careers in their own communities, addressing the growing need for healthcare professionals in North Carolina. Duke researchers are making strides in environmental and climate justice. The "Cooling Communities: Strategic Partnerships for Energy Equity in the Carolinas" project, launched in 2024, focuses on energy equity and involves collaboration between the Nicholas Institute, Duke Divinity School, and local nonprofit groups. That's all for today's update. Stay tuned for more news and events happening around campus. Go Duke!