Importance of Affirmative Action in College Admissions

Since the 1960s, affirmative action or race-conscious admission policies have played a major role in college admissions. Universities now use a holistic review process to determine a student’s acceptance. Academic achievements, extracurriculars, test scores and athletics are all considered. One may be the person who asked “do math homework for me” and received a good grade and another may do everything great but be graded way worse. Why?

These policies were originally passed with the intention of creating a diverse group of students and a positive educational experience for everyone. They promote academic freedom and equality protection as a democratic ideal to combat systemic barriers which have restricted the access of underrepresented communities to higher education. How can a country that takes pride in its melting pot of cultures fail to recognize diversity as "a compelling government interest" in the 21st Century?

The Supreme Court will vote on affirmative action after hearing two cases in October. The current conservative majority of the court (six to three), which overturned Roe V. Wade less that a year earlier, is likely to strike down the policy. This decision would declare the use of race in college admissions as unconstitutional and threaten the future of the United States educational system.

Diversity is a factor that many students consider when applying to college, as they recognize its positive impact on education. Denise Ortiz is the College Counselor at Museum School. She says that many students will not attend a college with a low diversity ratio. They are more open-minded and innovative when they're in a diverse environment. It allows people to form personal relationships with others from different backgrounds. This helps create a community that is safe and accepting. This could be jeopardized by the eradication or affirmative action. Junior Gloria Stretell stated, "I do not want to attend a university or college that is all white."

This decision would affect all colleges, but schools that are deemed "selective", (accepting less than 50% of applicants), will be the most affected. This is particularly true for small liberal art colleges that are characterized by a tight-knit community and thrive on diversity.

Alexa Rodriguez, a junior, argues that if Black students are denied opportunities, they will be left behind. This was the point made by a group 33 colleges in an August brief submitted to the Supreme Court, stating that "the likelihood of Black applicants being offered admission would drop to less than half of that of White applicants," noting that enrollment levels could return to those of pre-1960s.

Although this decision was regressive, Counselor Ortiz said, "colleges who want to be committed to diversity will find a way around it," acknowledging the value of having students of color on campus. She added, "Based upon counseling events, colleges continue to actively recruit", leaving spots available for students who apply through full-ride scholarships like Posse and Questbridge. These programs, while beneficial, are very selective and only available to top schools. Most students do not have the qualifications necessary to attend. These programs are almost nonexistent at less prestigious schools, which will cause diversity rates to fall in the future.

Colleges are also considering eliminating legacy admissions. It is a practice where a college gives preference to children of alumni. This factor weighs heavily in the admissions decisions. Students with a legacy are 45% more likely than others to be accepted at selective schools. This demographic comprises 29% of the students admitted to Harvard by 2021.

As alumni are predominantly white, the legacy system has a history of discrimination. Brown v. Board of Education, in 1954, was the first time that African Americans could attend universities with a majority of white students. Previously they were only allowed to attend segregated schools. This decision did allow for a larger number of African American students being admitted to select schools. However, this gap was still far from being closed due to the lack of opportunity for these communities. In 1995, 96% Ivy League graduates were white. This ratio has perpetuated a cycle that is based on disparity. By eliminating this factor, we can promote diversity by removing the unfair advantage that white students have over people of colour. Amherst College, MIT and other prominent universities are already doing this, setting an example that will hopefully be followed for many years.

This claim is false for many reasons. Racism is prevalent in the United States despite Jim Crow-style racism being banned. Affirmative action is not "positive discrimination", but a way to level the playing field. Gloria Strettel, who is a leading advocate of affirmative action, says that it does not discriminate, but rather levels the playing fields.

Ironically, the court that is composed of the largest racial diversity of justices ever assembled in US history will likely vote against affirmative actions. Clarence Thomas, one of the six conservative justices, questioned whether diversity was beneficial to education. The liberal justices who dissented argue that race is an important factor in a person's experience and without it, diversity cannot be achieved.

The decision will set a precedent for future college admissions. The Class of 2024 will bear the brunt of this toll, since the decision will still be fresh in college admissions officers' minds. Colleges are proactive in addressing the issue. They continue to work to ensure diversity and prepare plans for the verdict.

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