This Thursday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled six to three that universities must stop considering race a factor in admissions. This act is now forcing universities to look for new ways to bring diversity to the student body. The course majority overruled most admission plans at the following schools:
- Harvard.
- The University of North Carolina.
- Some of the nation’s private and public colleges.
The Court’s Conservative Majority
Chief Justice Roberts stated that the court “permitted race-based admissions only within the confines of narrow restrictions. University programs must comply with strict scrutiny, they may never use race as a stereotype or negative, and — at some point — they must end.”
Roberts added that American universities had “concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned but the color of their skin.”
Race and Money Factors Aren’t Unfair
In court, Justice Sotomayor mentioned that colleges and universities show a side of “favoritism” during the admission process. Institutes are known to show their preferences to the children of alumni, athletes, and popular legacies. These same students will get a pass through bribing or from status, even if they do not possess the academic requirements.
The 2019 college scandal highlighted this phenomenon. These court cases showed how students of wealthy families paid their way to the top instead of earning it. For example, Michelle Janavs, whose family developed Hot Pockets, was sentenced to five months in prison.
This is because she paid $300,000 to have her daughters’ ACT answers dismissed and changed. In cases like these, universities set high standards for marginalized groups, whilst wealthy or “legacy families” are top priorities.
Why Does This Decision Matter?
This ruling brings diversity into schools. It also recognizes the personal talents, skills, and intelligence of an individual without discrimination of skin color. Additionally, schools that do not abide by these rules will face punishment.
By Khalyse Hemingway
Sources:
19th News: The Supreme Court overturns affirmative action in college admissions
NBC Boston: Supreme Court rejects considering race in college admissions, striking down affirmative action
Insider: Michael Center sentenced to 6 months in prison.
Voa News: Supreme court strikes down affirmative action in college admissions
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