On June 29th, the Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 and 6-2 vote that the University of North Carolina (UNC) and Harvard College could not make race-conscious admission decisions, effectively ending affirmative action. Affirmative action has been used to create diversity on campuses and counteract past discrimination that has set back many minorities.
While there may not be a box to check on college applications for race, there are still loopholes colleges can use to take race into account.
“That essay part of [the admission] would be a loophole,” attorney Hannah Crammer said. “You can consider race if you’re allowing an applicant to explain how their race influenced their character.”
Colleges are still intent on getting the word out that they will uphold diversity in their own ways. Texas Christian University (TCU) sent out a general email to potential applicants one day after the ruling was made. The email stated that they will stick to their holistic admissions process and encourage their applicants to “share beyond what a transcript and resume measure”. This will be their strategy to keep diversity at their school.
“This fall, our community will welcome the most diverse class in university history,” TCU Dean of Admissions Heath Einstein wrote.
Despite the Supreme Court’s decision, UNC is actively trying to show its support for diversity and inclusion.
“One way they have already taken action is by expanding financial aid to offer free tuition for more low and middle-income families,” UNC student Mary Miller said. “While this isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, I hope that this step is part of a larger effort to support a diverse student population.”
The ruling also states that colleges are no longer allowed to provide race-based scholarships. Historically, more minorities live in poverty than white people. Without financial aid, many minorities might be unable to pay high college tuition, consequently missing out on the opportunity of a college education.
“It does hurt a bit knowing that there are less opportunities out there in a field that has proven to discriminate against minorities,” Holden Alvarez ‘25 said.
Students are also showing their support and willingness to fight for equality. Student Affirmative Action clubs are being held at UNC to rally students in support of campus diversity.
“UNC has a strong culture of student activism and I think this decision will inspire students to fight even harder to support equity on campus,” Miller said.
