Supreme Court Strikes Down Affirmative Action. What The Means

Today, Thursday, June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down an iconic law for the 1960s Civil Right Movement. People often incorrectly associate Affirmative Action with ending discrimination against people of color. When in fact is meant to end discrimination practices against all people, especially people of color.

Affirmative Action in college admissions. What does this mean?

Affirmative Action in the context of college admissions is the consideration of a student's race to increase the diversity on American campuses. Affirmative Action in College Admission began in 1978, in a landmark Supreme Court decision. This decision was reaffirmed throughout the decades until the historic decision was overturned today.

According to USA Today scholars say the greatest beneficiaries of affirmative action policies are white women, from college campuses to the American workplace.

Scholars report white women today are more educated and account for a larger number of the workforce because of decades of affirmative action policies. As a result of Affirmative Action white women have also made huge strides up the corporate ladder that people of color and women of color have not.

Ironically, without Affirmative Action, the Supreme Court wouldn't look like it does now if it were not for this law. Justice Clarence Thomas was admitted to Yale thanks to the Affirmative Action process. PBS reported Thomas Supreme Court Justice on the backs of those who fought and died for his right to have equal rights and yet, he voted to strike this sacred law down.

In 1971, 10% percent of Yale's incoming class that year were students of color. Thursday's Supreme Court decision DOES NOT BAN the practice of universities admitting legacy students which helps white students whose parents are alumni or who make contributions to the school. The Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action only addressed race-based admissions practices.