July 12, 2023
On June 29, 2023, the United States Supreme Court ruled Affirmative Action unconstitutional. Affirmative Action was initially passed during the late 1960s during the Johnson administration as an executive order. The intention was to diminish the disparities that minorities faced in pursuit of higher education. Many Universities used Affirmative Action to ensure they had a diverse group of students.
Supporters argue that affirmative Action is necessary to address the legacy of discrimination and systemic inequality that minority groups have faced. Critics, however, argue that it is a form of reverse discrimination and can lead to unqualified individuals being admitted.
Affirmative Action falls under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, which guarantees equal protection under the law. Over the years, the Constitutionality of Affirmative Action has been challenged; however, until June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court had always voted Affirmative Action Constitutional. This new ruling was made by the Supreme Court in a split decision. The decision has undoubtedly erupted conversations nationwide. Many take to social media to show their displeasure regarding the decision. While giving his speech to address the Supreme Court decision President Biden said “The Court has effectively ended affirmative action in college admissions. And I strongly — strongly disagree with the Court’s decision.” The decision has also opened a door for new lawsuits, like ending Harvard’s legacy admission.
Source:
- CNBC, Supreme Court rejects affirmative action at colleges as unconstitutional
- American Bar, Affirmative Action in Higher Education: Relevance for Today’s Racial Justice Battlegrounds
- Findlaw.com, Affirmative Action Under the Fourteenth Amendment
- Whitehouse.gov, Remarks by President Biden on the Supreme Court’s Decision on Affirmative Action