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The Daily

The First Post-Affirmative Action Class Enters College

Sep 6, 2024
David Leonhardt, a Senior Writer for The New York Times and author of The Morning newsletter, dives into the profound impact of the Supreme Court's ban on affirmative action. He discusses the expected declines in Black and Hispanic student enrollments at elite colleges this academic year. Leonhardt highlights shifting demographics, with rising numbers of lower-income students and evolving admission strategies focused on life experiences. The conversation sheds light on the complex challenges and opportunities for fostering diversity in higher education.
30:02

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Quick takeaways

  • The Supreme Court's decision to ban affirmative action has drastically reduced the enrollment of Black and Hispanic students at elite colleges.
  • Colleges are now prioritizing economic diversity in admissions, resulting in more low-income students being admitted despite racial diversity concerns.

Deep dives

Impact of Affirmative Action Ban on College Demographics

The Supreme Court's decision to ban affirmative action has significantly altered the demographics of college campuses, particularly among elite institutions. Initial enrollment statistics indicate a steep decline in Black students, exemplified by MIT's drop from 15% to 5%, while Hispanic students also saw a decrease from 16% to 11%. In contrast, the proportion of Asian students rose, highlighting the anticipated shifts criticized by affirmative action advocates. However, some schools like Duke and Yale maintained stable Black student percentages, suggesting a more nuanced outcome across different colleges.

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