SCOTUS Decision: What can higher education institutions do while we await a decision on affirmative action
Students, admissions professionals, and social justice advocates are standing by for a landmark Supreme Court decision that will determine if affirmative action will be upheld or overturned. The decision is expected by the end of June 2023 regarding Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard, and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina. Both cases argue against the current legal precedent upon which higher education admission practices, policies and goals are based. The Supreme Court has rejected the previous two arguments from Edward Blum who leads Student for Fair Admissions (SFFA), but removing affirmative action would be anything but fair to those who will be impacted the most, historically underrepresented students. Accelerated Equity Insights supports a decision to uphold the current laws, as the original tenants of affirmative action remain relevant today.
Far too many students are left out of higher education. It’s imperative that leaders commit to holding colleges and universities accountable to admitting diverse student bodies. In order to do so, we need greater transparency in college admissions. By expanding the breadth of admissions data collected and disaggregating it by race, ethnicity, and socio-economic status, the Department of Education would shine a light on which schools are serving as gatekeepers to privilege and which schools are making a commitment to equity and social mobility,” said Shakira Petit, Interim CEO, Education Reform Now.
With this in mind, here are some actions Universities can take:
Action Steps
1- Create a cross-functional commission that is firmly rooted in your mission and vision and can participate in your intake process
In this commission, you can identify the areas or programs that might be at risk as a result of their closeness to the admissions process. Involve your stakeholders to prepare responses through planning, impact, investment, and communication.
2- Examine your current recruitment process
Your current recruitment process may be impacted, so look for chances to expand or reimagine target regions and high school types as well as build relationships with external stakeholders.
3- Ensure that financial aid and scholarship policies are clearly outlined
These policies may also be impacted by the SCOTUS decision. Having them clearly outlined will allow your institution to quickly reference how these might be impacted.
4- Conduct an inventory of where race is used, or referenced, in your enrollment process
This inventory will allow a quick reference on which part of your enrollment process may be impacted.
5- Examine your application process
While examining, see if the review criteria, application essays, personal statements, or supplemental questions need to be changed if race can no longer be used in admissions.
6- Evaluate current admissions policies
Utilize information, advice from internal and external stakeholders, and data to evaluate current admissions policies and practices in light of current law and to identify any potential changes that may be required.
Taking these steps will allow your university to be prepared for when the decision comes out. Now, let’s address some of the misconceptions that are present with affirmative action.
