Harvard University Is Allowed To Use Race As A Factor In Its Admissions Process, A Judge Ruled
Summary
A federal judge sided with Harvard University on Tuesday by ruling that the Ivy League school was not discriminating against Asian American students by considering race in its admissions standards. "For purposes of this case, at least for now, ensuring diversity at Harvard relies, in part, on race conscious admissions," District Judge Allison D. Burroughs wrote in her ruling. The lawsuit, filed by Students for Fair Admissions, a group of Asian American students who were rejected by Harvard, accused the university of discrimination and argued that Asian Americans were being held to a higher standard than other applicants in order to get into the exclusive school. While the school takes race into consideration in its admissions process to select a more diverse student body, Burroughs ruled that the way it was being done not only passed "constitutional muster," but that it was necessary for the elite school to meet its mission. The case is considered the latest challenge in an attempt to end affirmative action in college admissions.