Lost Debate

College Admissions in a Post-Affirmative Action America With Jeannie Suk Gersen

Oct 12, 2023

Harvard Law School professor Jeannie Suk Gersen discusses college admissions in a post-affirmative action world. Topics include the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, the impact on diversity in college admissions, the Thomas Jefferson case, text messages as evidence of racial discrimination, Asian American perspectives, and the interpretation of statutes and utilization of equal opportunity offices.

53:35

Episode guests

Jeannie Suk Gersen

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

The Supreme Court's decision on affirmative action did not specifically address discrimination against Asian Americans, but focused on the elimination of the policy.

Chief Justice Roberts' opinion opens up a discussion about the difference between being race blind and race neutral, potentially leading to a more meaningful approach to diversity.

The complexity of balancing diversity and avoiding unintended consequences is highlighted by the Thomas Jefferson case, which raises questions about intentional discrimination.

Deep dives

Supreme Court Decision on Affirmative Action

The Supreme Court made a six-to-three decision to strike down affirmative action, which was not surprising but still notable. The focus of the decision was not on discrimination against Asian Americans, as some anticipated. Justices Thomas and Gorsuch had more to say about the issue than Chief Justice Roberts. The decision primarily centered on the elimination of affirmative action and did not specifically address discrimination against Asian Americans.

Introduction

3min

Supreme Court Decision on College Admissions

30min

Challenges and Changes in the Thomas Jefferson Case

4min

Text Messages and Intent in a Case on Admissions Policy

3min

Perspectives and Concerns of Asian American Parents in College Admissions

10min

Interpretation of Statutes and Utilization of Equal Opportunity Offices

3min

The Supreme Court effectively eliminated affirmative action in higher education this June with their rulings in SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. UNC. Harvard Law School professor Jeannie Suk Gersen sits down with Ravi to discuss college admissions in a post-affirmative action world and how colleges and universities will work to ensure they continue to enroll diverse student bodies.

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