Slide text

  • Slide one
    What’s significant about the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action?
    From Asian adoptees.
  • Slide two
    Defining affirmative action
    Affirmative action is an effort made by colleges and universities to diversify their classes by factoring racial identity into admissions decisions.

    Schools historically used affirmative action to admit a more racially diverse student body — statistically, mostly Black and Latinx students.

    The goal was to give historically disadvantaged identities opportunities to obtain higher education.
  • Slide three
    What recently happened
    On June 29, the Supreme Court voted 6–3 that race can no longer be a factor in college and university admissions.

    Because selective schools have limited availability, Asian students alleged they were denied admission because of their race.

    They claimed Harvard University and the University of North Carolina capped the number of Asian students admitted.

    The Court ruled that race-conscious admissions violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.
  • Slide four
    By the numbers
    Percent of respondents who say race should be a major, minor, or not a factor in admissions. Data source: Pew Research Center.

    Total: Major 7%, Minor 19%, Not a factor 74%
    White: Major 4%, Minor 17%, Not a factor 79%
    Black: Major 15%, Minor 24%, Not a factor 59%
    Hispanic: Major 12%, Minor 19%, Not a factor 68%
    Asian: Major 10%, Minor 27%, Not a factor 63%
  • Slide five
    Asian adoptees’ responses
    “Appalling! I’m sick of seeing diasporic Asians being pawns in white supremacy.”

    “There would be a lot more space for deserving students if legacies and children of donors weren’t considered ‘special.’”

    “Asian Americans are being used to justify it when it’s hurting everyone, including us.”
  • Slide six
    Asian adoptees’ responses
    “It puts white and Asian people on one side versus all other people of color.”

    “I think it will be interesting with Caucasian parents adopting Asian children.”

    “East Asians and Indians are being used as pawns to destroy a system that has helped many people.”
  • Slide seven
    Asian adoptees’ responses
    “It’s another example of Asian people being painted as the antagonist.”

    “Continuing to give advantages to legacies. Terrible.”

    “It makes Asian people look apathetic to the needs of Black and brown people.”
  • Slide eight
    Sources
    “What Is Affirmative Action? What Is the Equal Protection Clause?” The New York Times, June 29, 2023.

    “Divided Supreme Court Outlaws Affirmative Action in College Admissions, Says Race Cannot Be Used.” Associated Press, June 29, 2023.

    “Supreme Court Will Hear Challenge to Affirmative Action at Harvard and U.N.C.” The New York Times, Oct. 31, 2022.

    “As Courts Weigh Affirmative Action, Grades and Test Scores Seen as Top Factors in College Admissions.” Pew Research Center, April 16, 2022.