In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court has dealt a significant blow to the principles of equality and justice by restricting affirmative action policies in college admissions. This decision marks a true loss for society as it undermines the progress made in addressing historical injustices and perpetuates systemic inequalities. Affirmative action has been a crucial tool in creating a more inclusive society, and its erosion threatens to widen the chasm of disparity even further.

When affirmative action was first put into place, it was seen as a necessary remedy for centuries of racism and discrimination that had disenfranchised minorities and kept them out of educational possibilities. This strategy attempted to level the playing field and offer opportunities to individuals who had previously been denied access to high-quality education by giving underrepresented groups a small advantage in college admissions. It acknowledged that tailored interventions were necessary to affect lasting change due to the deeply ingrained mechanisms of bias and discrimination. For critics, affirmative action actually represents a reverse discrimination. Fitting candidates, in their mind, would be quickly dismissed due to the color of their skin, which is obviously unfair. This line of thought, nonetheless, ignores centuries of entrenched historical disadvantages imposed on these minorities, and by disregarding them we simply continue to participate in this cycle.

The idea that affirmative action encourages reverse discrimination is one of the main arguments used to abolish it. Deserving candidates, according to critics, may be passed over because of their color or ethnicity, which is fundamentally unfair. This perspective, however, ignores the ingrained racial biases and prejudices that have afflicted our culture for decades. Affirmative action acknowledges historical disadvantages and promotes a more varied and representative educational environment, not by downplaying the accomplishments of others.

The Supreme Court's decision fails to consider the complex societal dynamics at play. By striking down or limiting affirmative action, the Court neglects the persistent racial disparities and the undeniable barriers faced by minorities in education. Education is a powerful tool for upward mobility, and without targeted efforts to uplift disadvantaged groups, we risk perpetuating a vicious cycle of poverty and inequality. Moreover, affirmative action does not solely benefit minorities. It enriches the entire learning experience by introducing diverse perspectives and life experiences into the classroom. Exposure to different cultures, backgrounds, and viewpoints cultivates a more robust educational environment, fostering critical thinking and empathy among students. It prepares them to become more globally aware and compassionate individuals, traits that are indispensable in our interconnected world.

The erosion of affirmative action, then, sends a discouraging message to marginalized communities that their experiences and struggles are dismissed, and their pursuit of education undervalued. It emboldens the idea that despite their best efforts, certain doors will remain closed to them based on factors beyond their control. Such a message can have far-reaching consequences on the aspirations and self-esteem of young individuals, undermining their confidence in seeking higher education and fulfilling their potential. Not only, but by dismantling affirmative action, we risk perpetuating a cycle of privilege and inequality. Elite educational institutions, traditionally dominated by privileged classes, are more likely to remain exclusive spaces without meaningful attempts to diversify their student bodies. The Court's decision inadvertently reinforces the status quo, making it harder for underprivileged individuals to break the cycle of poverty and access better opportunities.

Critics of affirmative action often argue that merit should be the sole criteria for college admissions. However, this argument ignores the uneven playing field on which candidates begin their academic journeys. Socioeconomic status, access to quality education, and opportunities for extracurricular activities vary widely across different communities. Merit alone cannot be fairly assessed without considering these contextual factors. With this said, what the Supreme Court did on that fateful day is a backwards step in our collective mission for equality. By not recognizing the struggles some face due to their background, the Supreme Court sends a clear message of disregard for the fairness of the admission process. It is important to recognize that affirmative action is not a cure for our societal issues, but it is an important measure that contributes to more egalitarian community, one that – as the Constitution makes clear – is for “We, the People.”

Iuri M. Piovezan is a graduate student at Villanova University studying Political Science. He has also received a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies from Temple University in 2022.