What's happened
Following the Supreme Court's decision to end affirmative action, several colleges, including the University of North Carolina, report significant declines in Black and Hispanic student enrollment. The impact of this ruling is still unfolding, with various factors influencing admissions trends across institutions as of September 10, 2024.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the New York Times, the University of North Carolina reported a drop in Black student enrollment from 10.5% to 7.8%, with Hispanic students decreasing from 10.8% to 10.1%. Rachelle Feldman, UNC's vice provost for enrollment, stated, "It’s too soon to see trends with just one year of data." Meanwhile, the Independent highlighted that some selective colleges are seeing drops in Black students, with experts noting that multiple factors, including standardized test changes, complicate the analysis of these trends. The New York Times also reported that Amherst College experienced an eight-point drop in Black student enrollment, indicating a broader trend across elite institutions. These reports collectively illustrate the immediate effects of the Supreme Court's decision on college diversity.
How we got here
The Supreme Court's ruling in June 2023 prohibited the consideration of race in college admissions, prompting institutions to reevaluate their admissions processes. This has led to observable declines in the enrollment of Black and Hispanic students at several selective colleges.
Common question
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What are the Effects of the Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Ruling on College Admissions?
The Supreme Court's ruling to end affirmative action has sparked significant changes in college admissions, particularly affecting the enrollment of Black and Hispanic students. As institutions adapt to these new policies, many are left wondering about the immediate and long-term impacts on diversity in higher education. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this pivotal decision.
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