The University of California is currently under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for possible racial discrimination in its hiring process. This inquiry focuses on whether the university's strategic plan, which includes commitments to diversity in recruitment, contravenes federal and state anti-discrimination laws.

According to the DOJ, the mention of diversity goals by the UC system might suggest employment practices that unfairly favor or discriminate against candidates based on race or sex. This was highlighted in a recent letter from the DOJ to UC President Michael Drake.

The University of California system, known for its historical commitment to diversity and equity, finds itself in a paradoxical situation. Although affirmative action has been banned in California's public institutions since the passage of Proposition 209 in 1996, the university has continued to strive for racial equity in its faculty composition. The current statistics show 54.9% of the faculty are White and 22.2% are Asian, which is not entirely reflective of California’s diverse demographics.

In response to the DOJ’s allegations, UC spokesperson Rachel Zaentz affirmed the institution's dedication to fairness and legality in all its operations. "The system is committed to fair and lawful processes in all of our programs and activities, consistent with federal and state anti-discrimination laws," Zaentz stated.

This investigation comes at a time when discussions around diversity in educational institutions are particularly fraught, following significant legal and societal debates on the role and legality of affirmative action across the United States.

The implications of this investigation are profound, not only for the University of California but for all educational institutions that have taken steps to incorporate diversity into their strategic goals. It raises critical questions about how diversity objectives are balanced with legal constraints on affirmative action, and the extent to which institutions can seek to reflect societal diversity without running afoul of the law.

Further coverage and developments on this investigation can be followed through major news outlets like the Washington Post. The outcome of this probe could potentially influence hiring practices and diversity strategies across the nation's higher education landscape.