What is Affirmative Action in College Admissions?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jun 29, 2023
What is Affirmative Action in College Admissions?
Affirmative action in college admissions is a policy that involves considering an individual student's race or ethnicity as a factor in the selection process. It originated in the United States in the 1960s as a means to address the historical effects of segregation and inequality in higher education. The purpose of affirmative action is to promote diversity on college campuses by giving preference to applicants from underrepresented groups.
By actively seeking out and admitting students from these backgrounds, colleges and universities aim to create a more inclusive and diverse learning environment. Proponents of affirmative action argue that it serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it aims to rectify past injustices and provide opportunities for individuals who have historically faced discrimination.
Secondly, it seeks to foster diversity in educational settings, which is believed to enrich the learning experience for all students. Additionally, proponents argue that a diverse student body prepares individuals for participation in a multicultural society and promotes a more informed and equitable workforce. Opponents of affirmative action, however, often argue that it can lead to reverse discrimination, where individuals from certain racial or ethnic groups may be favored over others solely based on their background.
Critics believe that admissions decisions should be based solely on merit, focusing on factors such as academic achievement and qualifications rather than race or ethnicity. The recent Supreme Court ruling mentioned in the update indicates a shift in the court's stance on affirmative action, with the conservative majority striking down admissions plans at Harvard and the University of North Carolina. This decision has implications for how colleges and universities will approach achieving diversity in their student bodies going forward.
Affirmative Action in Higher Education: Key Aspects and Implications
Explore the key aspects and implications of affirmative action in higher education. Learn about its effectiveness, the Supreme Court's stance, challenges, schools' defense, court decisions, and the impact on education. Understand public opinion on campus diversity and affirmative action.
Evidence of the Effectiveness of Race-Conscious Policies
Supreme Court's Stance on Affirmative Action
The Challenge to Affirmative Action
Schools' Defense of Affirmative Action
Lower Court Decisions and Supreme Court's Role
The Supreme Court's Decision and Impact on Higher Education
Public Opinion on Campus Diversity and Affirmative Action
Purpose of Affirmative Action in College Admissions
The purpose of affirmative action in college admissions can be explained in detail with the following bullet points:
Affirmative action seeks to rectify the effects of historical discrimination and inequality in higher education. It aims to overcome the legacy of segregation and exclusion by providing opportunities for individuals who have been historically underrepresented or disadvantaged.
Colleges and universities view affirmative action as a means to create diverse and inclusive campus communities. By considering an applicant's race or ethnicity as one factor among many, institutions aim to bring together students from various backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
The policy strives to ensure that individuals from underrepresented groups have fair and equal access to educational opportunities. By considering race or ethnicity, admissions committees aim to counteract systemic barriers and provide a more level playing field for marginalized students.
Proponents argue that a diverse student body enriches the educational experience for all students. Interacting with peers from different backgrounds enhances cultural understanding, promotes critical thinking, and prepares students for a globalized society.
Affirmative action is seen as a tool to promote broader societal benefits. By increasing access to higher education for underrepresented groups, the policy seeks to address disparities in employment, income, and social mobility. A diverse and educated workforce is believed to contribute to a more equitable society.
Colleges recognize the importance of preparing students for a diverse and interconnected world. Affirmative action aims to cultivate individuals who are knowledgeable about and comfortable interacting with people from different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, promoting social cohesion and inclusivity.
Supreme Court Decision Over Affirmative Action in College Admissions
The Supreme Court has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of affirmative action in college admissions through its decisions. Here is an overview of the Supreme Court's key rulings and decisions regarding affirmative action:
Bakke Decision (1978)
In the landmark case of Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, the Supreme Court addressed the use of racial quotas in college admissions. The Court ruled that strict racial quotas were unconstitutional but upheld the use of race as one factor among many in holistic admissions processes.
Grutter v. Bollinger (2003)
The Supreme Court's decision in Grutter v. Bollinger reaffirmed the Bakke ruling, stating that colleges and universities have a compelling interest in achieving diversity and can consider an applicant's race as part of a holistic review. The Court emphasized that race-conscious admissions policies should be narrowly tailored and not amount to a quota system.
Fisher I (2013) and Fisher II (2016)
The Fisher cases involved a challenge to the admissions policies at the University of Texas at Austin. In Fisher I, the Supreme Court ruled that courts should give deference to universities in determining the educational benefits of diversity. In Fisher II, the Court upheld the university's race-conscious admissions program, emphasizing the importance of a careful review of the program's implementation.
Recent Developments
In the update you provided, the Supreme Court overturned admissions plans at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, marking a potential shift in its stance on affirmative action. The conservative majority on the Court found fault with the admissions plans and expressed skepticism about the consideration of race as a factor in admissions decisions.
What is Affirmative Action in College Admissions - FAQs
Affirmative action in college admissions is a policy or practice that considers an applicant's race, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics as one factor among many during the admissions process. Its aim is to promote diversity and overcome historical inequalities in higher education.
Colleges and universities use affirmative action to address the legacy of discrimination and promote diversity on their campuses. By considering race or ethnicity, institutions aim to create a more inclusive learning environment that benefits all students and prepares them for a diverse society and workforce.
Affirmative action typically involves a holistic review process where admissions committees consider various factors, including an applicant's academic achievements, extracurricular activities, socioeconomic background, and race or ethnicity. The goal is to assess an individual's qualifications in a comprehensive manner and ensure fair opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Yes, affirmative action is still legal in the United States, but its specific implementation may vary based on court rulings and state laws. The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of considering race as a factor in college admissions, while also setting limits on the extent to which it can be used.
No, affirmative action does not guarantee admission solely based on race or ethnicity. It is just one factor among many considered in the admissions process. Institutions strive for a holistic approach, considering multiple aspects of an applicant's background and qualifications to make informed decisions that align with their diversity goals.