Shifts in College Admissions Post-Affirmative Action Ruling
After the Supreme Court’s decision to prohibit affirmative action in college admissions, many anticipated a decline in the enrollment of Black and Hispanic students. Contrary to these concerns, recent enrollment figures suggest a different narrative. In numerous instances, the number of Black and Hispanic students enrolling in higher education institutions has either remained stable or even increased, despite the absence of race-based admissions criteria.
These developments raise important questions about the strategies admissions offices employ when considering the demographic composition of their student bodies. Furthermore, these trends might influence future debates surrounding diversity and inclusion in academia. To explore these complex dynamics, NPR’s Elissa Nadworny and labor economist Zach Bleemer delve into the intricate world of college admissions. They examine how higher education institutions continue to prioritize diversity, even amidst an environment increasingly critical of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.