Supreme Court's Ruling and Americans' Views on Affirmative Action

The Supreme Court handed down a 6-3 decision on Thursday limiting the use of race in college admissions. The case, Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, challenged Harvard University's admissions policies. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated that while schools can still consider race as a factor in admissions decisions, they cannot use it as the predominant factor in achieving a diverse student body. This ruling is considered a major victory for opponents of affirmative action, who argue against reverse discrimination. However, supporters of affirmative action express concerns that the decision will make it more difficult for schools to foster diversity among their student populations.

The impact of this decision is expected to be significant, with implications for college admissions policies across the country. As a result, colleges and universities may face challenges in their efforts to promote diversity on their campuses. Legal challenges to the decision are also anticipated, as opponents of affirmative action have expressed their intent to challenge the ruling in lower courts, potentially leading to a return to the Supreme Court for further consideration.

The complexity of public attitudes toward affirmative action is highlighted in a Pew Research study, which reveals varying opinions depending on the specific context. The study indicates that approximately 36% of Americans view affirmative action as a positive practice, while 29% consider it negative. However, attitudes differ when it comes to higher education, with about half of adults expressing disapproval of using race and ethnicity as factors in college admissions.

In terms of hiring and promotion decisions, the majority of Americans believe that qualifications should take precedence over race and ethnicity. A significant 74% of respondents in a 2019 survey expressed the opinion that companies and organizations should consider only qualifications, even if it means less diversity. However, it is worth noting that while opposing race-based considerations in hiring, three-quarters of adults still emphasize the importance of promoting racial and ethnic diversity in the workplace. This indicates a nuanced perspective among the public, where the value of diversity is acknowledged, but the methods of achieving it are a subject of debate.

Public attitudes toward affirmative action are influenced by factors such as race, ethnicity, and political affiliation. Racial and ethnic minorities, particularly Black Americans, are more likely to support the consideration of race and ethnicity in college admissions and hiring decisions. Additionally, Democrats are more inclined to approve of these considerations compared to Republicans.

Link to the Pew Research Survey.