WASHINGTON: In a major blow to decades-old practices aimed at promoting diversity in higher education, the US Supreme Court issued a ruling on Thursday banning the use of race and ethnicity in university admissions. The decision, which reflects the court’s conservative majority, overturns a long-standing practice that sought to provide educational opportunities to African-Americans and other minorities.
The justices, dividing six to three along conservative-liberal lines, signaled their willingness to overturn liberal policies established since the 1960s, as they did last year with the guarantee of a woman’s right to have an abortion. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing the majority opinion, acknowledged that affirmative action was implemented with good intentions but stated that it cannot be a permanent practice and constitutes unconstitutional discrimination against others. Roberts emphasized that applicants should be evaluated based on their individual experiences rather than their race.
However, Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued a scathing dissent, accusing the majority of being oblivious to the reality of a “racially unequal” society. She argued that ignoring race does not bring about equality in a racially segregated society and stressed the importance of acknowledging and addressing inequality.
US Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Students for Fair Admissions
The court ruled in favor of the activist group Students for Fair Admissions, which sued Harvard University and the University of North Carolina (UNC) over their admissions policies. The group argued that race-conscious admissions practices resulted in discrimination against Asian-American applicants who were equally or better qualified compared to their counterparts. Elite universities, including Harvard and UNC, consider race or ethnicity as one factor among many to ensure diversity and representation of minorities.
The ruling represents a victory for conservatives who contend that affirmative action is fundamentally unfair and no longer necessary due to the progress made by Black people and other minorities. Former President Donald Trump, who appointed three justices to the conservative majority, praised the decision as a step towards fairness in the college admissions process.
However, the ruling is seen as a setback for progressives, coming after the court’s recent reversal of the landmark Roe v. Wade decision guaranteeing a woman’s right to abortion. It is expected to prompt many states and institutions to halt programs aimed at providing extra consideration to disadvantaged minorities in the competitive admissions process.
The ruling could also discourage universities from considering factors other than test scores in admissions, as noted by Justice Sotomayor. Democratic Senator Cory Booker expressed his disappointment, describing the decision as a “devastating blow” to the US education system and emphasizing the importance of continuing efforts to promote inclusivity and opportunity for all.
