As Supreme Court considers affirmative action, colleges see few other ways to diversity goals
Scoop USA Newspaper|June 02, 2023
WASHINGTON (AP) — As an alternative to affirmative action, colleges from California to Florida have tried a range of strategies to achieve the diversity they say is essential to their campuses
Collin Binkley 
As Supreme Court considers affirmative action, colleges see few other ways to diversity goals

Many have given greater preference to low-income families. Others started admitting top students from every community in their state.

But after years of experimentation — often prompted by state-level bans on considering race in admissions — there's no clear solution. In states requiring race-neutral policies, many colleges have seen enrollment drops among Black and Hispanic students, especially at selective colleges that historically have been mostly white.

Now, as the Supreme Court decides the fate of affirmative action, colleges nationwide could soon face the same test, with some bracing for setbacks that could erase decades of progress on campus diversity. A ruling is expected by the end of June.

At Amherst College, officials have estimated that going entirely race-neutral would reduce Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations by half.

"We fully expect it would be a significant decrease in our population," said Matthew McGann, Amherst's director of admission.

Facing a conservative Supreme Court that appeared skeptical from the start, colleges have been preparing for a rollback. Some are considering adding more essays to get a better picture of an applicant's background. Others are planning to boost recruiting in racially diverse areas or admit more transfer students from community colleges.

The court took up affirmative action in response to challenges at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. Lower courts upheld admission systems at both schools, rejecting claims that the schools discriminated against white and Asian-American applicants.

Meanwhile, other schools have been taking lessons from colleges that don't consider race. Nine states previously banned affirmative action, starting with California in 1996 and most recently Idaho in 2020.

This story is from the June 02, 2023 edition of Scoop USA Newspaper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the June 02, 2023 edition of Scoop USA Newspaper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SCOOP USA NEWSPAPERView All
Make room for Jesus this Christmas
Scoop USA Newspaper

Make room for Jesus this Christmas

Thanksgiving is over, and most of us are preparing for Christmas, but in the wrong way because we have the wrong conception of what Christmas is all about.

time-read
3 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 43
Musk's dangerous bullying
Scoop USA Newspaper

Musk's dangerous bullying

No one better illustrates the sinister consequences of great wealth turned into unaccountable power than Elon Musk.

time-read
4 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 43
Philadelphia ready to go the distance with RockyFest week dedicated to 'Rocky' movies
Scoop USA Newspaper

Philadelphia ready to go the distance with RockyFest week dedicated to 'Rocky' movies

Rocky Balboa fans are ready to go the distance - by bus, by ice skates, by 72 steps to honor Philly's favorite fictional fighter almost 50 years after the first movie launched the enduring series of an underdog boxer persevering despite the odds.

time-read
3 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 43
From Bach to Beyonce, why a church orchestra aims to lift up young musicians of color
Scoop USA Newspaper

From Bach to Beyonce, why a church orchestra aims to lift up young musicians of color

For over two years, Ebonie Vazquez searched to find a mentor of color for her son, Giovanni, now 11 and passionate about playing the violin. She has now found that space at a local church.

time-read
5 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 43
The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation announces Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Powered by PECO
Scoop USA Newspaper

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation announces Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Powered by PECO

The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC) is thrilled to announce its annual Holiday Tree Lighting event, powered by PECO, taking place on December 6, 2024, from 6 pm to 9 pm at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Join us for an enchanting evening filled with lively performances from local talent, which serves as the kickoff to the holiday season and the official countdown to New Year's Eve on the Delaware River Waterfront.

time-read
3 mins  |
ScoopDigital, Vol. 5, No. 43
We're making it easier to do business with us online
Scoop USA Newspaper

We're making it easier to do business with us online

We've listened to your feedback concerning your preference to do business with us online. You want the option to submit forms, evidence, and other information electronically. You also want to sign documents electronically before submitting them.

time-read
2 mins  |
ScoopUSA Media, Volume 64 - Number 51
By our own strength and culture
Scoop USA Newspaper

By our own strength and culture

In dedication to Amilcar Cabral, who taught us the challenge and protracted nature of the struggle, saying, \"Mask no difficulties, tell no lies, and claim no easy victories.\"

time-read
3 mins  |
ScoopUSA Media, Volume 64 - Number 51
Explore Holiday Magic with Brother Marcus: A Guide to Seasonal Inspiration in Philadelphia
Scoop USA Newspaper

Explore Holiday Magic with Brother Marcus: A Guide to Seasonal Inspiration in Philadelphia

The holiday season is here, and with it comes an array of festive activities to enjoy in and around our beautiful city. Philadelphia is brimming with spectacular events that bring communities together and fill hearts with joy. Whether you're looking for dazzling lights, family-friendly outings, or moments of inspiration, here are some must-visit events to include in your holiday plans.

time-read
2 mins  |
ScoopUSA Media, Volume 64 - Number 51
Anthony Faulkner Brings Joy to the Season with "Silent Night"
Scoop USA Newspaper

Anthony Faulkner Brings Joy to the Season with "Silent Night"

The Christmas season is a time for reflection, rejoicing, and celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

time-read
1 min  |
ScoopUSA Media, Volume 64 - Number 51
Why did Joe Biden not keep his promise? His son still deserves justice
Scoop USA Newspaper

Why did Joe Biden not keep his promise? His son still deserves justice

Just once. Just once, amid all the times that reporters asked President Joe Biden whether he would give a pardon to his son Hunter, who was facing a possible federal prison sentence, I wish I could have heard Jolly Joe give the sort of response that the late Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley offered to such unwelcome questions.

time-read
3 mins  |
ScoopUSA Media, Volume 64 - Number 51