American society is so focused on race that it is blind to class
The end of affirmative action in college admissions could be a chance to build a better system
Affirmative action in American college admissions may be about to end. On October 31st the Supreme Court heard two cases in which lawyers argued that the current practice—which allows universities to favour applicants of some races over others—violates civil-rights laws and the constitution. Judging by the sceptical questioning of the conservative justices, who thanks to Donald Trump now command a majority, the question is not whether such preferences will be restricted, but whether they will survive at all.
This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “Making a meritocracy”
From the November 5th 2022 edition
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