The University of Virginia faces a critical decision that could shape its future: whether to adopt admissions policies aligned with our Constitution’s colorblind principles or resist the Supreme Court’s authority.
In the case of Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and UNC, the Supreme Court ruled that race-based admissions policies at Harvard and UNC violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This landmark decision establishes a broad mandate of colorblindness, applicable not just to those institutions but also to UVA.
Responding to this pivotal ruling, on August 1, 2023, UVA’s leaders outlined new admissions procedures. “The Court has made it clear,” the statement affirmed, “that colleges cannot use race as a sole factor in admissions decisions. We are committed to following this mandate.”
However, the statement also emphasized UVA’s commitment to diversity: “We will do everything within our legal authority to recruit and admit a diverse student body, ensuring every student feels welcome and included.”
Here’s how UVA plans to implement these new policies:
- Merit-Based Admissions: UVA will continue to prioritize academic merit in admissions decisions. Applicants will be evaluated solely on their academic qualifications and potential to succeed at the university.
- Eliminating Racial Data: Admissions officers will not have access to any racial or ethnic information during the evaluation process. This ensures that race is not a factor in admissions decisions.
- Essay Prompts: Applicants will have an optional essay prompt where they can discuss how their unique experiences, including those related to race, have shaped their perspectives. However, this information will only be considered in relation to the applicant’s individual contributions to the university, not as a basis for race-based decisions.
The question now is whether these changes genuinely uphold colorblind admissions or are merely superficial compliance measures. The people of Virginia have a stake in ensuring fairness and transparency in UVA’s admissions policies.
Merit-Based Admissions:
Historically, UVA’s admissions practices have evolved significantly. Initially admitting only white men, the university expanded access following the civil rights movement. Today, through initiatives like “Access UVA,” UVA boasts a commitment to admitting students based on merit, regardless of financial circumstances.
Despite these efforts, disparities persist among applicants from different socioeconomic backgrounds and regions across Virginia. While UVA cannot rectify all disparities in the applicant pool, it strives to maintain rigorous academic standards.
Diversity:
UVA acknowledges the educational benefits of a diverse student body but recognizes the Court’s rejection of race-conscious admissions. The university emphasizes diversity in all its forms, beyond race and ethnicity, as crucial to enriching the educational experience.
However, to fully comply with the Supreme Court’s decision, UVA should take proactive steps:
- Remove racial checkboxes from applications completely.
- Cease collecting racial or ethnic data through any means.
- Discontinue using the UVA Diversity Dashboard, which currently lists only racial and ethnic categories.
Essay Prompts and Consideration of Race:
The Supreme Court permits universities to consider an applicant’s personal experiences related to race, as long as it pertains to their individual contributions to the university community. However, UVA must ensure that these considerations align with legal standards and do not amount to indirect race-based admissions.
Conclusion:
As UVA navigates these changes, transparency and adherence to the law are crucial. The Board of Visitors should ensure openness in the admissions process and engage the community in evaluating these policies. While debates over admissions preferences will continue, UVA’s commitment to equality under the law should guide its actions.
By embracing a truly colorblind admissions process, UVA can set a precedent in academia, fostering a fair and inclusive environment for all students. As Martin Luther King Jr. envisioned, let UVA judge applicants not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character, embodying the principles of equality and justice.
