Supreme Court Declares Affirmative Action Unconstitutional in College Admissions

Supreme Court Rules Affirmative Action Admission Policies as Unconstitutional

Supreme Court Ruling

The Supreme Court has made a landmark ruling that deems the affirmative action admission policies of Harvard and the University of North Carolina as unconstitutional. This decision strikes a blow to decades-old efforts aimed at increasing the enrollment of racial minorities in American universities. Chief Justice John Roberts, along with the other conservative justices, declared that these affirmative action programs “unavoidably employ race in a negative manner, involve racial stereotyping, and lack meaningful end points.” The court concluded that these policies violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution’s 14th Amendment.

Liberal Dissent

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, an African-American and a liberal, expressed disappointment and referred to the ruling as “truly a tragedy for us all.” Meanwhile, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, also a liberal, strongly dissented by stating that the ruling rolls back decades of progress. Sotomayor argued that the majority’s decision undermines the limited use of race in college admissions to achieve important benefits and enforces a “superficial rule of colorblindness” in a racially segregated society.

Harvard and UNC Cases

The Supreme Court ruling addressed two separate cases, one involving Harvard and the other concerning the University of North Carolina. In the Harvard case, the decision was voted 6-2, with Justice Jackson recusing herself due to her prior involvement with the institution. In the UNC case, the vote was 6-3, with Justices Jackson, Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan dissenting. This ruling sets a precedent and has far-reaching implications for affirmative action policies in higher education.

Conclusion: Impact on New Businesses

A Shift in College Admissions Landscape

The recent Supreme Court ruling declaring affirmative action admission policies as unconstitutional has significant implications for the higher education system. As this ruling sets a precedent, it is expected to bring about a substantial shift in how colleges and universities consider race during the admissions process. This shift could have indirect consequences for businesses that cater to or rely on the college student population.

Impact on Diversity and Recruitment

With the overturning of affirmative action policies, colleges may have to explore alternative methods to maintain diversity on their campuses. They might implement new programs or initiatives focused on creating inclusive environments without explicitly considering race. This could provide an opportunity for new businesses that specialize in diversity consulting, anti-bias training, or inclusive campus resource development. As colleges strive to adapt to the changing admissions landscape, these businesses could play a crucial role in helping institutions foster diversity and achieve their desired student demographics.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the ruling challenges the traditional approach to addressing racial disparities in academia, it also opens up avenues for innovation. New businesses could emerge that offer alternative admissions strategies or platforms to help underrepresented students connect with universities that value diversity. These businesses might assist students in showcasing their unique attributes and experiences beyond just their race, contributing to a more holistic evaluation of applicants.

Adapting to a Shifting Environment

For new businesses targeting the college market, it will be important to navigate this new admissions landscape effectively. Understanding the evolving priorities of colleges and universities, and aligning their services or products accordingly, will be critical to success. Adapting strategies to emphasize inclusivity, multiculturalism, or appealing to a diverse student body may be necessary for businesses looking to thrive in this changing environment.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action admission policies will undoubtedly reshape the college admissions landscape. While it presents challenges, it also presents opportunities for new businesses that can help institutions navigate the changing landscape and ensure diversity remains a priority in higher education.



Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/29/supreme-court-rejects-affirmative-action-at-colleges-says-schools-cant-consider-race-in-admission.html