Impact of the Abolition of Affirmative Action on Black and Latinx Students
In the 1970s, the debate over affirmative action policies in education began to take centre stage. At the time, white students accounted for an overwhelming 91% of college enrollment. This was before affirmative action policies became deeply rooted in college admissions, designed to decrease discrimination based on race and gender.
Affirmative action, over time, removed quota requirements and paved the way for an increase in college diversity. Colleges and universities began admitting higher numbers of Black and Latino/a students, leading to a more inclusive higher education landscape.
However, on June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that affirmative action policies in college admissions are unconstitutional. This decision has raised concerns about the future of diversity in colleges and universities across the nation.
The end of affirmative action is expected to lead to a decline in diverse student populations. Without race-conscious admissions policies, institutions may switch up how they recruit students, focusing on a wide range of communities. Duke University and UNC, for instance, have already started offering free tuition to students whose families make below a certain income.
This decision is likely to disproportionately impact Black and Latino/a students, who currently account for about 12% and 20% of college enrollment, respectively. Analyses of a ban on affirmative action in California in 1996 show negative consequences in terms of both enrollment and wages for Black and Latinx students.
Professor Julie J. Park at the University of Maryland, College Park, has conducted research on Affirmative Action in higher education and its impact, including on students of colour. Her research underscores the importance of affirmative action in providing equitable access to educational and employment opportunities.
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While the end of affirmative action may signal a shift in college admissions, it does not mean the end of race-conscious policies entirely. Students can still include their race in college essays if it tells the story of how it impacts their experiences. Colleges may continue to consider factors such as socio-economic status, geographical location, and first-generation status in their admissions processes.
The debate over affirmative action policies is far from over. As the higher education landscape evolves, it is crucial to maintain a focus on diversity and inclusion to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities for all students.
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