By Carrie Young-Mcwilliams 

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action represents a watershed moment in the fight for equal opportunities for Black and Brown students in higher education. Affirmative action has long been a contentious issue, with supporters arguing that it is necessary for addressing historical disadvantages and promoting diversity, while opponents argue that it perpetuates reverse discrimination. In this blog post, we will look at the potential consequences of this decision, as well as the challenges and opportunities it presents for Black and Brown students pursuing educational and career advancement.

Diminished Access to Higher Education

One of the most serious consequences of repealing affirmative action is the potential reduction in access to higher education for Black and Brown students. Affirmative action sought to level the playing field by incorporating race into admissions decisions and recognizing the systemic barriers that marginalized communities face. Without its safeguards, these students may have a more difficult time gaining admission to predominantly white institutions, limiting their opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Widening Educational Gaps

Abolition of affirmative action could exacerbate already-existing educational disparities between Black and Brown students and their White peers. Historically, Black and Brown students have had unequal access to quality education, which has resulted in lower high school graduation rates and limited access to resources needed for success in higher education. Without addressing these disparities, eliminating affirmative action may perpetuate the cycle of educational disadvantage, impeding the path to upward mobility.

The Impact on Campus Diversity

Affirmative action has been critical in promoting diversity on college campuses, enriching the educational experience for all students. By promoting a diverse student body, universities provide an environment where cross-cultural understanding, critical thinking, and innovation thrive. Removing affirmative action measures risks eroding diversity and creating homogeneous environments that do not adequately prepare students for a diverse and interconnected world.

Psychological Effects and Underrepresentation

The psychological toll on Black and Brown students cannot be overlooked after the overturning of affirmative action. These students may feel a greater sense of exclusion and self-doubt, knowing that their race might impact their admission to educational institutions. Moreover, the lack of representation within academic spaces may perpetuate feelings of isolation and hinder the development of a sense of belonging, further impeding academic success.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) may be able to respond to the call for Black and Brown students by offering unique benefits in comparison to white schools. For starters, HBCUs provide a sense of community that is lacking in white schools. Because HBCUs have fewer students, they provide a more intimate environment in which students receive more personalized attention from professors and staff who understand their diverse cultural perspectives. Furthermore, because HBCUs were established to educate Black students who were previously excluded from predominantly white universities, they frequently have a stronger sense of community and identity. This can result in higher levels of overall satisfaction, higher graduation rates, and stronger alumni networks.

HBCUs frequently have programs that are tailored to the needs of minority students. Mentorship, research opportunities, and academic support services are examples of such programs. This personal touch can be especially valuable for students who might be struggling to adjust to college life or who need extra encouragement to excel.

Students attending an HBCU have unique opportunities to learn about their cultural heritage in a classroom setting. Founded to give Black students access to higher education when segregated systems prevented them from doing so, HBCUs place a strong emphasis on Black history, culture, and identity. For students, this educational experience can be empowering, instilling self-confidence, a strong sense of identity, and a sense of cultural pride.

Perhaps HBCUs provide more unique and better benefits to marginalized students than predominantly White Ivy League institutions. According to John Silvanus Wilson Jr., historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have a better chance of changing the future of democracy because, unlike Ivy League schools, HBCUs teach character, teaching students to aspire to the common good rather than sole individual achievement. The challenge is that there are only 200 HBCUs, which are concentrated mostly in the southeast, to mid-western and along the mid-Atlantic coastline of the United States. This is particularly difficult for students in our country’s western and northern regions. Many students in these areas, in my experience, have never heard of HBCUs or what they have to offer.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action presents a complex set of challenges and opportunities for Black and Brown students aspiring to attain higher education and achieve career success if they have their eyes set on the Ivies. Without affirmative action, the doors of opportunity may close for many deserving students, deepening educational disparities, undermining diversity, and perpetuating systemic inequality at these institutions. It is crucial to continue advocating for policies that promote equal access to education, address historical disadvantages, and foster an inclusive society that benefits all students, regardless of race or background. With that being said, students may turn their focus to institutions where they are celebrated and taught to be well-rounded citizens. If our government can start by funding HBCUs at the same level as predominantly white institutions then there may be no need for affirmative action.