The Decision: Supreme Court Strikes Down Affirmative Action
Given the radical Right’s takeover of the U.S. Supreme Court via its political proxy, the Federalist Society, no one should be surprised by today’s decision which ends affirmative action in college admissions. This is certain to produce ripple effects in other sectors of American life as well, including hiring practices, awarding government contracts, etc.
Having heard both sides of the legal argument, as well as contemplating the predictable reactions to the court’s decision, this is indeed a debatable issue with compelling arguments from both sides. Some partisans may disagree with this generic viewpoint, but I find both arguments to have merit. Note that I did not say “equal” merit. But let’s agree that affirmative action is indeed an important issue worth discussing and debating.
What I do find appalling is the grotesque inconsistency of this decision, which utterly FAILS to address obvious and undeniable historical class and income disparities. In short, the privileged class will continue to perpetuate (largely unearned) advantages in getting into good schools. Consider “legacy admissions” to elite colleges and universities. This means the children (and relatives) of prior graduates from these so-called elite schools will continue receiving preferential treatment. This amounts to multi-generational theft. In short, these college applicants did not earn their way into school on their own merit. They get accepted because of their last names, or in many cases — their families are rich. Or both. So, according to the Supreme Court, it’s perfectly fine to admit spoiled underachieving rich kids over better-qualified applicants with higher test scores (and other superior characteristics). Yet, giving ANY weight whatsoever on the basis of race is unconstitutional.
Got it.
College admissions are a complex issue and educators can debate how best to reward merit-based student achievement. I don’t presume to have all the solutions, nor answers when it comes to policy implementation. However, what’s blatantly obvious here is the preservation of a historical INEQUITY.
Today’s controversial decision, striking down college admissions based on race presumably in an effort to create a colorblind society may indeed be a noble goal, if flawed method. Yet, failing to address class and income disparities in addition to race is OUTRAGEOUS. The court insists on “equality” and hopes to end racial bias, then ignores the other elephant in the room which enables colleges and universities to continue their bias in favor of those who have traditionally enjoyed ALL of the advantages of personal privilege.
After today, if you’re a member of a historically-disadvantaged group, the door to some colleges just slammed shut. But if you have a rich or famous daddy or mommy, the door isn’t just wide open, it’s been torn down.
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READ MORE: Ending Legacy Admissions Can Help Achieve Greater Education Equity
