Introduction
The Supreme Court case of Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College, decided in 2023, grappled with the contentious issue of affirmative action in higher education. This case challenged the admissions practices of both a private institution, Harvard College, and a public institution, the University of North Carolina (UNC), alleging that their use of race as a factor in admissions decisions was discriminatory.
The Cases and the Arguments
Both Harvard and UNC employ highly competitive admissions processes that prioritize academic merit. However, both institutions also acknowledged the importance of student body diversity and considered an applicant’s race as one factor among many in their evaluation process. This approach, often referred to as “holistic review,” aims to create a more diverse learning environment.
Students for Fair Admissions, a nonprofit organization, filed lawsuits against both universities. They argued that the use of race as a factor, even as a means to promote diversity, put certain applicants at a disadvantage based solely on their race. The lawsuit against UNC, a public institution, alleged a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause, which prohibits states from denying any person within their jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws. The lawsuit against Harvard, a private institution, claimed a violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal funding.
Harvard and UNC countered that their admissions practices were not only legal but served a compelling interest. They argued that a diverse student body enriches the educational experience for all students, fosters a more robust exchange of ideas, and helps cultivate future leaders equipped to navigate a diverse society.
Lower Court Decisions
Initially, both district courts ruled in favor of the universities, upholding their admissions practices. The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court ruling in the Harvard case. The UNC case was appealed to the Fourth Circuit, but before a decision was reached, the Supreme Court agreed to hear both cases, consolidating them due to the overlapping legal issues.
The Supreme Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court’s decision in this case has the potential to reshape the landscape of college admissions in the United States. The Court’s interpretation of the Equal Protection Clause and Title VI will likely have significant implications for how universities consider race as a factor in their admissions processes.
Further Reading
- Supreme Court of the United States
- Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
- Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
- American Civil Liberties Union: Racial Justice
- NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
Summary
The Supreme Court case involving Students for Fair Admissions and Harvard/UNC raises fundamental questions about affirmative action, diversity, and equality in higher education. The case highlights the tensions between achieving a diverse student body and ensuring that admissions decisions are fair and non-discriminatory. The outcome of this case is expected to have lasting consequences for universities across the country as they navigate the complex and ever-evolving landscape of college admissions.