Harvard University recently released data showing a slight decline in the number of Black students in its freshman class, the first admitted since a Supreme Court ruling struck down affirmative action in higher education. This ruling has had a ripple effect on selective universities across the country, with varying impacts on student diversity.
The Supreme Court's conservative majority decision last year prohibited colleges from considering race in admissions, prompting institutions to explore new strategies to promote diversity. Harvard's latest freshman class revealed a 4% decrease in Black student enrollment, with 14% identifying as Black. Latino students increased by 2% to make up 16% of the class, while Asian-American representation remained steady at 37%.
Harvard's Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid emphasized the institution's commitment to diversity and compliance with the law. However, concerns have been raised about the decline in students of color on campus, with calls for reforms such as reinstating test-optional applications and eliminating legacy and donor preferences.
Experts have questioned how Harvard achieved racial diversity post-affirmative action, with some suggesting a focus on economically disadvantaged students of all races. Similar enrollment shifts have been observed at other colleges, with varying impacts on Black student representation.
For instance, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Amherst College experienced significant drops in Black student enrollment, while Tufts University reported a decline similar to Harvard's. UNC, Yale, University of Virginia, and Princeton saw minimal changes in Black student numbers year-over-year.
Factors beyond the end of affirmative action, such as changes in standardized test requirements and challenges in financial aid processes, have also influenced freshman class demographics at colleges nationwide.
