In a landmark decision on June 29, 2023, the US Supreme Court overturned the practice of considering race as a factor in college admissions. This decision marks a significant departure from decades-old affirmative action policies and has become one of the most contentious issues in US education.
The Ruling and Cases
The Supreme Court's decision covered two cases involving admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina (UNC). The court ruled 6-3 against UNC and 6-2 against Harvard, siding with Students for Fair Admissions, an organization founded by legal activist Edward Blum. The group argued that Harvard's race-conscious admissions policy violated the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
Chief Justice John Roberts, in his majority opinion, stated that universities have wrongly prioritized an individual's identity based on the color of their skin rather than their achievements and skills. The decision acknowledged the well-intentioned nature of UNC and Harvard's policies but emphasized that race should not be a determining factor in college admissions.
The court's ruling was met with mixed reactions. Supporters of affirmative action argued that it is a necessary tool to address the legacy of racial discrimination in the United States. They said that without affirmative action, colleges would continue to be dominated by white students, even though people of color make up a larger and larger share of the population.
Opponents of affirmative action argued that it is a form of reverse discrimination that unfairly advantages certain groups of students over others. They said that race should not be a factor in admissions decisions, and that colleges should focus on selecting students based on their academic merit.
The Supreme Court's decision is likely to have a significant impact on college admissions in the United States. It remains to be seen how colleges will achieve diversity in their student bodies without considering race as a factor. However, the court's decision is a major victory for opponents of affirmative action, and it is likely to reignite the debate over this controversial issue.
What is Affirmative Action?
Affirmative action is a policy that aims to increase opportunities for historically underrepresented groups, such as people of color and women. Affirmative action programs can take a variety of forms, including considering race as a factor in college admissions, providing scholarships and financial aid to underrepresented groups, and setting aside quotas for certain groups.
Affirmative action has been a controversial policy since its inception. Supporters of affirmative action argue that it is necessary to address the legacy of discrimination and to create a more diverse and inclusive society. Opponents of affirmative action argue that it is unfair to discriminate against individuals based on their race or ethnicity.
How Did We Get Here?
Affirmative action in college admissions has been a controversial issue in the United States for decades. The first affirmative action program in college admissions was implemented at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1968. The program was designed to increase the number of black students at the university, which had historically been dominated by white students.
In the years since, affirmative action programs have been implemented at colleges and universities across the United States. These programs have been credited with increasing the diversity of college campuses and providing opportunities for students from underrepresented groups.
However, affirmative action programs have also been criticized by opponents who argue that they are unfair to white students. In 1978, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Regents of the University of California v. Bakke that race could be considered as one factor in college admissions, but that it could not be the sole factor.
The Supreme Court's decision in Bakke set the precedent for how race could be considered in college admissions. However, the issue of affirmative action has continued to be debated in the years since. In 2016, the Supreme Court upheld the use of race in college admissions in the case of Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin.
What Does This Mean for Students?
The Supreme Court's decision means that colleges will no longer be able to consider race as a factor in admissions decisions. This could make it more difficult for students of color to get into selective colleges, as they will no longer have the advantage of being considered for admission based on their race.
However, it is important to note that race is just one factor that colleges consider in admissions decisions. Colleges will still consider a student's academic record, extracurricular activities, and personal essays. Students of color who have strong academic records and extracurricular activities should still be competitive for admission to selective colleges.
What Does This Mean for Colleges?
The Supreme Court's decision will force colleges to find new ways to achieve diversity in their student bodies. Some colleges may focus on recruiting more students from underrepresented groups, such as students from low-income families or rural areas. Other colleges may focus on creating more opportunities for students of color to participate in extracurricular activities and leadership positions.
It is still too early to say how colleges will respond to the Supreme Court's decision. And the impact of this ruling on college admissions remains to be seen. However, it is clear that it will have far-reaching implications for universities and students alike. As the debate continues, it will be important for all parties to work together to find a way forward that promotes equality and opportunity for all students. At Cademy1, we are committed to providing guidance and support to help students navigate this changing landscape. If you have any questions or concerns about how this ruling may affect your college admissions process, please don’t hesitate to contact us for more information. We’re here to help!