Affirmative Action Ruling Alters College Diversity

Following the Supreme Court's decision to end affirmative action in college admissions, enrollment data from several elite institutions indicates a significant decline in the percentage of Black students. At Amherst College, the share of Black first-year students dropped from 11% to 3%, with similar declines at Tufts University, where the percentage fell from 7.3% to 4.7%. Meanwhile, white student enrollment increased at both institutions. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology also reported a drop in Black and Hispanic student enrollment, signifying a broader trend among selective universities. Critics warn that these shifts could undermine racial diversity in higher education, while some argue that qualified students will find opportunities at other institutions without affirmative action. As colleges adjust to this new landscape, the long-term implications for diversity in higher education remain uncertain.