The Department of Education has opened an investigation into Harvard University's admissions process following a complaint from advocacy groups alleging that the school's use of legacy admissions violates federal civil rights law. The complaint accuses Harvard of giving preferential treatment to applicants with familial ties to wealthy donors and alumni, and if the Office for Civil Rights finds Harvard in violation of Title VI, the school could be required to make changes to its admissions process. The investigation is the latest development in the legal battle over U.S. college admissions and could have far-reaching implications for the admissions process at Harvard and other universities.