In June 2023, the Supreme Court ruled on the use of race in college admissions, significantly race as a factor in the limiting how colleges consider admissions process. We know how busy you are, and you may not have had a chance to read the 200+ page ruling. We read it, so you don’t have to! This article offers a summary of the ruling as well as potential implications for our work.
Case Summary
The case was brought by a group called Students for Fair Admissions, which argued that admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina were discriminatory and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. The Court justified affirmative action in higher education since 1978 on the grounds of educational diversity, not to repair injustices that Blacks and other minorities have suffered in the nation’s history.
The majority opinion argued that while educational diversity is a commendable goal, it needs to be subject to demanding judicial scrutiny to make sure it works. He added that race-conscious admissions have negative consequences because in boosting some groups, other groups suffer.
The decision means that universities can’t give a direct boost to members of historically disadvantaged minorities based on race. However, they can take account of race in a different way, such as in admissions essays where a student discusses their personal experiences with racial discrimination or their racial or ethnic ancestry.
The dissenting Justices argued that the majority is blind to American history and the reason that we have an Equal Protection Clause. They believe it’s perfectly appropriate to try to ensure that historically disfavored minorities have opportunities to attend elite institutions and to achieve success in the mainstream of American life. This decision is expected to reshape the educational experience of countless American students, with the possibility that campuses become less Black and Hispanic, and more Asian and white.
Potential Impacts to College Counseling
As a college counselor, this ruling could impact how you guide students through the application process. Here are some potential suggestions:
- Personal Essays Matter More: With race no longer being a factor in admissions, personal essays will become even more critical. Encourage your students to share their personal experiences, including any challenges they’ve faced related to their racial or ethnic background and draw the connection to their character and development. These narratives can provide context and depth to their applications.
- Highlight Diversity Beyond Race: While race can no longer be a factor in admissions, other aspects of diversity can be highlighted. Encourage your students to emphasize their unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions that they can bring to a college campus.
- Emphasize Holistic Review: Colleges may still conduct a holistic review of applicants, considering factors like socioeconomic status, first-generation status, and geographic location. Help your students understand how these factors can play a role in their applications an.
- Encourage Broad Applications: With this ruling, the demographics of colleges may shift. Encourage your students to apply to a broad range of colleges to increase their chances of admission.
This ruling is a significant change in the college admissions landscape. As a college counselor, your role in guiding students through this process is more important than ever.
