US Supreme Court overturned the affirmative action decision, gathering 6-3 votes. How will it affect Black students in the future?
Supreme Court overturned the affirmative action decision. (Photo: Reuters)
What is Affirmative Action?
Affirmative action encompasses a range of policies aimed at promoting equal opportunity and combating discrimination across various identity categories, such as race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, and disability. According to CBS News, these policies in affirmative action emerged during the 1960s to address racial discrimination and are commonly found in employment and education settings.
The purpose of affirmative action is to ensure fairness and inclusivity by creating mechanisms that actively support underrepresented groups and prevent biased practices.
Affirmative action continues to play a significant role in fostering equal access and leveling the playing field for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Photo: LA Times
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US Supreme Court Overturn Affirmative Action Decision
The recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to terminate affirmative action in college admissions has sparked concerns among educators and parents about the impact on the future generation of Black leaders. WHYY reported that this ruling, made on June 29, effectively overturned four decades of established practice by eliminating the consideration of race in higher education admissions.
With a 6-3 majority, the Court deemed race-conscious admissions as impermissible, invoking the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment that aimed to address the historical racial disparities faced by Black Americans.
The report also stated that the ramifications of the affirmative action decision raise questions about the potential implications for diversity and opportunities for aspiring Black students striving to excel in leadership roles.
Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden condemned the Court’s decision on affirmative action.
“We cannot let this decision be the last word. Discrimination still exists in America, said Biden, as quoted by BBC.
He also described the affirmative action decision as “not normal” for overturning it.
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