Affirmative Action-A Crack in the Door to Higher Education

Abstract

The impact of the Supreme Court of the United States ruling against race-conscious admissions extends beyond college admissions to professional schools. Based partially on the idea that enough time had elapsed for achievement of the stated goals of affirmative action, the court ruled race-conscious admissions are unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. The ruling left a crack in the door to higher education, however, allowing students to write an essay showing how race or ethnicity affected their lives. But without guidelines or a standardized approach, admissions committee members' background, personal experiences, and biases could influence evaluations.Historically, Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) have experienced residential segregation. Thus, they are products of poorly funded and understaffed K-12 schools. Grade point average and standardized tests scores are heavily weighted during the admissions process in higher education; however, these metrics largely reflect the attributes of K-12 schools and access to advanced placement and science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) courses. These courses are often lacking in schools with predominantly BIPOC students. We must continue to develop and support K-16 STEMM programs.Higher education institutions must respond to the Supreme Court ruling. Recruitment and retention strategies should encourage, guide, and support students who pursue health care careers. Enhanced admissions processes must include a standardized, unbiased approach in assessing personal essays and the lived experience. Admissions committees should complete implicit bias and cultural humility training. Support and allocation of funds must be provided to maintain training. Safeguards must ensure applicant and institutional legal compliance.

Keywords: K-16 stem-based programs; biases; cultural humility; lived experiences; personal essays; race conscious admission.