The Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in college admissions has fostered difficult conversations about its impact on racial equity in higher education. For Black college students, this change represents not just a shift in policy but a necessary re-evaluation of the pathways to higher education, the socio-economic landscape, and the future of diversity in academia.
Affirmative action surfaced during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s as a response to the historical injustices and systemic discrimination faced by minorities, as well as women, in employment and educational opportunities. Its purpose was to make sure marginalized groups were afforded equal opportunities. President John F. Kennedy signed an executive order in 1961, mandating “affirmative action to ensure that applicants are treated equally without regard to race, color, religion or national origin.”
In the context of higher education, these policies often involved considering race as one factor among many in the admissions process. The goal was to create a diverse educational environment that reflects the population and provides equal opportunities for historically underrepresented students.
The end of affirmative action raises significant concerns about access to higher education for Black students. Historically, Black students have benefited from affirmative action policies, which provided opportunities that might otherwise have been unavailable due to systemic barriers. The removal of these policies has already resulted in decreased representation of Black students in colleges and universities, particularly in selective institutions.
Studies indicate that the absence of affirmative action can lead to a significant drop in Black student enrollment in elite institutions. In California and Texas, there was a noticeable decline in Black and Latino student populations in the University of California system and the University of Texas system, respectively. Such trends could repeat nationally, narrowing the avenues for Black students to gain entry into prestigious colleges.
Last month, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill released a profile of incoming freshman and transfer students that shows in the year since the U.S. Supreme Court axed affirmative action in college admissions, the number of Black.= students admitted to the university decreased by nearly 25 percent. There was also a significant drop in Black enrollment at Harvard University, according to data which shows a 22 percent decrease in Black freshmen when compared to the year before.
Both schools were named as plaintiffs in the Supreme Court case that ended the long-held practice of considering race and ethnicity in college admissions.
Without affirmative action, admissions processes will most likely be more competitive. As colleges return to a more traditional metrics-based system — primarily focusing on GPA and standardized test scores — students from under-resourced schools, where educational disparities are glaring, may find themselves at a disadvantage. The reliance on standardized tests often correlates with socio-economic status, consequently affecting Black students disproportionately.
I’ve taught in higher education for the last 16 years, and I have seen how education serves as a key component of economic mobility. Reduced opportunities in this space can exacerbate existing inequalities. The loss of affirmative action can hinder the upward mobility of Black students, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting access to high-paying jobs that typically require a college degree. With fewer Black students in higher education, the disparity in wealth between racial groups could widen, impacting not only individuals but entire communities.
The truth is employers increasingly seek graduates from diverse backgrounds, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in promoting innovation. A reduction in the diversity of college graduates may ultimately affect the labor market and economic development, leading to sameness in thought and approach within industries. This is never a good thing.
The implications of ending affirmative action extend beyond individual students and the immediate space of education. They resonate throughout society, shaping cultural narratives and public policy. In other words, one decision greatly affects various paths.
Because of the times we live in, other areas that can’t be lost on us are the fight for racial equity and social justice. These are the cornerstone of American civil rights. The rollback of affirmative action can be perceived as a regression in the struggle for racial equity. Activists and advocates may need to intensify efforts to address systemic barriers, including advocating for policy changes at state and local levels to support access for marginalized communities.
I firmly believe that diverse educational environments enrich the academic experience for all students. It fosters understanding and collaboration among different racial and cultural groups. A decline in Black representation in colleges could hinder that exchange and understanding, leading to a less inclusive society. This could perpetuate stereotypes and misunderstandings that continue to fuel racial tensions.
The end of affirmative action may set a precedent that influences other areas of public policy. Legal challenges to equity initiatives in employment, housing, and health care could gain momentum, further cementing systemic inequalities. This shift may lead to a reevaluation of how diversity is approached in just about every area of our lives.
What’s interesting is Asian American enrollment at the most prestigious U.S. schools, including Yale and Princeton, also showed a noticeable decrease. Harvard University saw no change. Getting rid of affirmative action was supposed to be win for Asian American students but it’s not giving all it was intended to give.
Institutions should adopt a holistic approach to admissions that considers a range of factors beyond test scores and grades, including personal statements, letters of recommendation, and life experiences. This can help to level the playing field for students from diverse backgrounds.
If we look at the foundation of an educational journey, increased investment in K-12 education, particularly in underfunded schools, can help prepare Black students for college. Additionally, mentorship programs and college readiness initiatives can provide critical support for aspiring students.
This election year has brought many topics to the forefront. However, there is not substantial discussion about legislation that promotes equity in education. This could include increased funding for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), scholarship programs targeted at underrepresented students, and initiatives that support diversity in admissions practices.
The end of affirmative action represents a pivotal moment for Black college students and the broader educational landscape in the United States. While it poses significant challenges in terms of access and equity, it also underscores the importance of advocacy and real policy solutions. On the first day of class, I always tell my students that who they are and everything they have been through has brought them to my class — and they deserve to be there.
Higher education should be accessible to all, regardless of race or background. Only through concerted efforts can we strive to build a more equitable society where all students have the opportunity to thrive.
