This summer, the Supreme Court deemed that race should no longer be considered when accepting students who apply to college, putting an end to affirmative action.

Affirmative action consists of a set of policies put in place by the government to try and include groups and minorities who are discriminated against, especially in schools and in the workplace. 

The decision to end affirmative action will only negatively impact all students, but especially people of color, attending college and only dilute diversity in schools. 

Implemented to decrease discrimination at schools against students and faculty, affirmative action increases the number of people of color attending colleges while lowering race-based or gender discrimination.

Schools need a diverse student body. Without a variety of people, students may not be exposed to numerous cultural and social groups, which would only disadvantage the classroom. Diversity opens the door for a more open-minded and respectful atmosphere and aids in challenging stereotypes and biases.

But after affirmative action was shot down by the Supreme Court, race-conscious college acceptance is no longer permitted, ending any legal obligation for institutions to accept people of color. The population of students of color is bound to fall due to this eliminating the requirement to prioritize inclusivity.

Students benefit academically in a diverse classroom as well, and according to The Century Foundation, diversity in classes has been shown to boost critical thinking and problem-solving skills; students learn to consider ideas, perspectives, and experiences from other students, and limiting the number of students of color will not only put them at a disadvantage but white students as well. 

Terminating Affirmative Action will not benefit White and Asian Americans; evidence leans towards Affirmative Action positively impacting these groups. Six million women, most being White, worked in jobs they wouldn’t have had if not for Affirmative Action in 1995 according to the National Women’s Studies Association Journal. It is also a myth that Asian Americans are at a disadvantage due to affirmative action. Asian Americans already hold the highest acceptance rate for people of color at 59%, according to the U.S. Department of Education. 

The argument that affirmative action disadvantages people is ultimately false and a poor excuse to end the legal obligation to fairness and inclusivity in institutions. 

Affirmative action helps everyone receive fair opportunities in the classroom and beyond. These policies not only bring a legal mandate to seek a more diverse school but also bring awareness to an ethical standard to facilitate a more fair admissions process for all students.

Affirmative Action is crucial to living in a world that strives to minimize discrimination and bias. Whether in the classroom or the real world, ending Affirmative Action will limit opportunities for minorities, ultimately leading to a lack of diversity in colleges and universities. 

Prioritizing diversity in colleges and universities benefits all students. So, removing policies that prioritize diversity in admissions is a poor decision. America will soon feel the consequences in full effect if not changed.

(infographic source: aaaed.org)