On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States of America banned the use of race and ethnicity in university and college admissions. This move has scrapped a decade-old practice that boosted educational opportunities for African-Americans and other minorities.
The apex court, headed by Chief Justice John Roberts in a 6-3 opinion, held that Harvard University and the University of North Carolina admission programmes violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. This decision will have a long-standing implication and significant impact on the racial makeup of the colleges and universities and the types of opportunities students of colour are afforded.
The ruling against “affirmative action” delivered by a court heavily influenced by three justices appointed by Donald Trump during his presidency drew cheers from conservatives but was blasted by progressives.
At the White House, the current president of the US, Joe Biden, stated that “Discrimination still exists in America,” He added- “I believe that our colleges are stronger when they are racially and ethnically diverse. Our nation is stronger because they are tapping into the full range of talent in this nation.”
The first and the only black president of the US, Barack Obama, expressed his lamentations in personal terms, the scrapping of affirmative action policy, which allowed generations of students like Michelle and me to be proved we belong.
In a tweet, Obama said, “Affirmative Action was never a complete answer in the drive towards a just society. But for generations of students who have been systematically excluded from America’s most key institutions -it gave us a chance to show we deserved a seat at the table. In the wake of the Supreme Court’s recent decision, it is time to redouble our efforts.”
The Former First Lady Michelle Obama said in a separate statement that “My heart breaks for any young person out there who is wondering what their future holds and what types of chances will be open to them.” The Obamas have graduated from elite colleges such as Harvard University.
The current Vice President of the US, Kamala Harris, shared her deep disappointment after the supreme court turned down affirmative action. “It is in so very many ways a denial of opportunities. It is being blind to history, blind to empirical evidence about disparity and blind to strength diversity brings to classrooms, to boardrooms,” she said.
According to Donald Trump, the ruling marked a great day for America. “this is the ruling for which everyone was waiting and hoping, and the result is amazing. It will also keep us competitive with the rest of the world. Our greatest minds must be cherished, which is what this wonderful day has brought. We are all going back to all merit-based, and that is how it should be!” he said in a statement to ABC News.
The Republican presidential hopeful Mike Pence hailed the decision, saying that there is no place for racial discrimination in the US. “I am pleased that the Supreme Court has put an end to this egregious violation of constitutional and civil rights in admission processes, which only served to perpetuate racism,” said Pence.
“I am honoured to have played a role in appointing three of the justices that ensured today’s welcome decision, and as President, I will continue to appoint judges who will strictly follow and apply the law rather than twisting it to serve woke and progressive ends.
Ron De Santis, the governor of Florida, who was a top contender for the presidency, tweeted that college admissions should be based on merit and applicants should not be judged by race and ethnicity. “The Supreme Court has correctly upheld the constitution and ended discrimination by colleges and universities,” he added.
The former Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) and presidential hopeful Nikki Haley also hailed the decision stating that picking winners and losers based on race is fundamentally wrong. Haley, the daughter of Indian immigrants, added, “This decision will help every student, no matter their background, have a better opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”
The Senate Majority leader and Democrat Chuck Schumer called the majority’s misguided ruling a “giant roadblock in our country’s march towards racial justice.” He added- “Nevertheless, we will not be daunted or deterred by this decision, and we reaffirm our commitment to fighting for equal educational opportunities for all,” said Schumer, as quoted by ABC News.
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