In a significant ruling, the US Supreme Court has declared that race can no longer be a factor in university admissions, overturning long-standing affirmative action policies. The decision marks a major shift in US education and has sparked intense debate on the issue of positive discrimination.
Affirmative action was first implemented in the 1960s as a means to enhance diversity in educational institutions. However, critics argue that it perpetuates discrimination.
Thursday's ruling, which covered two cases involving admissions at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, saw the court rule against the use of race as a determining factor in admissions. The court voted 6-3 against UNC and 6-2 against Harvard.
President Joe Biden expressed strong disagreement with the decision, stating that discrimination still exists in America. He emphasized that this ruling should not be the final word on the matter.
"We cannot let this decision be the last word," he said. "Discrimination still exists in America."
Education Secretary Miguel Cardona acknowledged the court's ruling but noted that the intent to ensure diversity on campuses remains unchanged. The White House plans to issue guidance to universities on how to maintain diversity within legal boundaries.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who wrote the majority opinion, stated that universities should not base admissions solely on an individual's race. He argued that many universities have wrongly focused on a person's skin color rather than their achievements and skills.
Justice Clarence Thomas, one of the conservative justices and the second black justice in the nation's history, agreed with the ruling. He described such affirmative action programs as unconstitutional, asserting that universities do not have the right to discriminate based on race.
Several liberal justices dissented, with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson calling the decision a tragedy for everyone. Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued that the ruling solidifies a colorblind principle in a segregated society.
Edward Blum, the legal activist who founded Students for Fair Admissions, hailed the ruling as the beginning of restoring a colorblind legal system. He criticized affirmative action as undermining civil rights laws.
Supporters of the decision argue that it preserves meritocracy and ensures fairness in admissions. They contend that affirmative action had negatively impacted Asian American students' enrollment chances.
Critics of the ruling, including student representatives from Harvard, expressed disappointment and concern. They believe that considering race in applications is crucial for addressing the impact of race in students' lives.
The decision has reignited discussions surrounding race-based policies and their effects on equality in education. The Supreme Court's ruling reflects the ongoing ideological divide within the court and the nation.
Former President Donald Trump praised the decision as a great day, asserting that individuals with extraordinary abilities are finally being rewarded.
The ruling by the Supreme Court on affirmative action follows several other controversial decisions in recent years, highlighting the court's significant influence on critical issues that shape American society.
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