Supreme Court rules colleges, universities must stop considering race of applicants for admission

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that colleges and universities must stop considering race in admissions, forcing institutions of higher education to look for new ways to achieve diverse student bodies.

The court struck down admissions plans at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, the country’s oldest private and public colleges, in a 6 to 3 decision.

Locally, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore released the following statement on Thursday’s ruling:

“Today is a sad day for all of us who believe that everyone, regardless of race, creed, religion, or sexual orientation deserves the opportunity to succeed. It’s well understood that higher education can help to tear down walls that have historically denied social mobility to all people. Affirmative action is not a crutch. It’s not an unfair advantage. It should not be illegal as a variable in the college admissions process. For decades, it has helped level the playing field to obtain a college education for so many who have the academic capability to achieve. It has also been a positive force for making inroads for diversity in the college experience, something that produces real rewards in today’s increasingly diverse workforce. With today’s decision, we have lost something of benefit to everyone. Nonetheless, this now stands as the new law of the land. While it harkens back to a history we hoped never to repeat, we will comply with this new standard. We will work with the University System of Maryland, the UMES Office of Admissions, and our General Counsel to ensure that we understand the details of this decision and its impact on our students. We will also follow guidance promulgated by the U.S. Department of Education to ensure that we remain in compliance with the Court’s decision.”

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.