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2025/01/17
Today, the topic of Affirmative Action has stirred up significant controversy across the United States. Affirmative Action is a policy designed to address historical inequalities and promote diversity by considering race and other factors in college admissions. However, in a recent landmark decision, the US Supreme Court has ruled to ban the use of race as a factor in the college admissions process.
Now, applicants' unique backgrounds, life experiences, and contributions to their communities are brushed aside, making it challenging for underrepresented groups to gain admission to their dream colleges. While the Supreme Court's decision may appear to have dealt a severe blow to Affirmative Action, all hope is not lost. It is essential for high school students to understand the underlying issues and engage in open discussions about the impact of this ruling on higher education and society as a whole.
Affirmative Action is a proactive approach aimed at improving employment and educational opportunities for minority groups and women. It was introduced as a way to address the longstanding discrimination these groups faced. Affirmative Action involves implementing policies, programs, and procedures that provide limited preferences to minorities and women in areas such as job hiring, college admissions, government contracts, and other social benefits. The criteria typically considered for Affirmative Action include race, disability, gender, ethnic origin, and age.
The idea of Affirmative Action was first put into action during the presidency of Lyndon Johnson (1963–1969) as a response to ongoing discrimination against African Americans. At that time, civil rights legislation was already working to eliminate the legal basis for such discrimination. Over time, Affirmative Action expanded its reach to include women, Native Americans, Hispanics, and other minority groups. It was also extended to cover colleges, universities, state, and federal agencies. The aim was to create a fairer and more inclusive society by providing opportunities to those who historically faced systemic barriers and prejudices.
The recent court ruling by the conservative majority had a significant impact on college admissions plans at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, the oldest private college and public college in the United States, respectively. This decision marked a victory for conservative legal efforts as it found race-conscious admissions plans to be unconstitutional and in violation of a law that applies to colleges receiving federal funding, which includes almost all colleges.
As a result of this ruling, these schools will have to reevaluate their admissions practices, particularly top-tier institutions that have been more likely to consider the race of applicants in their admissions process.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who delivered the court's opinion, pointed out that universities have been mistaken in believing that a person's identity is primarily defined by the color of their skin, rather than their accomplishments, skills, and experiences. The court's decision aims to move away from using race as a determining factor in college admissions, emphasizing the importance of individual merit and achievements in the selection process.
The road to getting into a top university may seem more demanding. Without race as a factor, academic performance, personal branding, and personal projects become crucial elements to secure a spot. High school students must prioritize their studies, excel in rigorous courses, and showcase their unique strengths through extracurricular activities. Undertaking personal projects that display dedication and problem-solving skills can further set applicants apart. Embracing inclusivity and seeking guidance throughout the admissions process are also essential. Though the journey may be challenging, with resilience and determination, students can navigate this new landscape and achieve their goals of attending their dream universities.
We've learned about the significance of this policy in addressing historical inequalities and promoting diversity. The recent ban on considering race in college admissions has raised concerns about the future of inclusivity and opportunities for underrepresented groups. Without a doubt, this change presents new challenges for high school students aspiring to attend top universities.
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