While the U.S. Supreme Court has gutted affirmative action in college admissions, the war over gateways to academic opportunities is not over.
In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court declared on Thursday, June 29, that colleges are prohibited from explicitly considering applicants’ race in admissions. The decision will have a significant impact on the methods colleges use to foster diversity within their student populations.
Favoring the conservative nonprofit Students for Fair Admissions, the high court concluded the admissions processes of Harvard University and the University of North Carolina discriminate against white and Asian American applicants. In a 6-3 ruling, the conservative-majority Supreme Court invalidated the admissions policies that granted a slight advantage to applicants from specific underrepresented groups.
Discourse about the ruling followed, with many harping on the possible loss of access to high-quality educational advancement for Black Americans. After all, the purpose of affirmative action is to rectify past discrimination and ensure equal access to opportunities for all.
Now, three Black and Hispanic groups in Boston have filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Harvard gives preferential treatment to applicants with familial ties to the university, which disproportionately benefits white and wealthy students.
Lawyers for Civil Rights filed the lawsuit Monday, July 3 on behalf of the Chica Project, the African Community Economic Development of New England, and The Greater Boston Latino Network.
Harvard, being a recipient of federal funds, is obligated to adhere to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. It prohibits discrimination in programs receiving federal financial assistance based on factors such as race, color, and national origin. By following Title VI, Harvard must ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all individuals within its programs.
“The students who receive these special…
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