In a recent discussion, experts claimed that the removal of race-based affirmative action in college admissions could be more beneficial to minority students than initially assumed. This viewpoint contradicts the mainstream narrative that argues such a decision might lead to calamitous results for these students.
The dialogue highlighted the constitutionality and impact of racial preferences in college admissions, focusing on the potential harm these policies might inflict on minority students. Notable instances include California, which had eliminated race-based affirmative action in the 1990s. Following this move, black enrollment and graduation rates in the University of California system increased significantly, particularly in the demanding STEM fields.
The advocates contend that these policies were intended to boost the ranks of the black middle class. However, they argue that the actual impact has resulted in fewer black doctors, lawyers, and scientists than there would have been in the absence of these policies.
The Supreme Court is re-evaluating the continued usage of race as a factor in admissions, with its decision expected to profoundly shape the future of such practices. Critics argue that schools often use race as a vague and amorphous factor in admissions, making it impossible to quantify the actual benefits of such a diverse student body. Moreover, the experts criticized universities for allegedly lying about using quotas for specific racial groups, a practice supposedly abandoned after California’s decision.
The conversation also included references to a study showing that if an Asian student’s race was changed to Black while keeping all other variables constant, his chances of admission increased from 25% to 95%. This indicates that race isn’t just a contributing factor, but a decisive one in admissions.
Further, the conversation underscored the harm done by setting minority students up for failure at highly selective schools. The advocates argue that students are being admitted to these colleges, even when their credentials don’t match the average student’s, to diversify the student body. However, these students often struggle and are more likely to drop out.
In conclusion, the experts argued that ending race-based admissions could lead to more fair and just practices. The impact of this shift is expected to be significant, potentially redefining the college admissions landscape and the future of affirmative action.
