Photo credit: hechingerreport.org
During his college application process last year, Hamza Parker faced a significant challenge linked to the Supreme Court’s critical ruling that dismantled affirmative action in higher education admissions, which directly influenced the reduction of race-specific scholarships.
Parker’s college advisor, Atnre Alleyne, had recommended various universities that had historically offered substantial scholarships to Black students, such as the College of Wooster in Ohio. Lacking adequate financial support, Parker was unable to afford the expenses of attending college beyond his home state of Delaware.
Atnre Alleyne anticipated the court’s decision would yield several unforeseen challenges for the Black and Hispanic students he assists through his nonprofit advisory organization, but the rapid disappearance of long-standing scholarships from university websites left him astounded.
“We were guiding one student toward a college known for its scholarship for African Americans,” Atnre explained in a recent interview. “When we checked the scholarship page, it was just… gone. That was when we first recognized the broader implications of this change.”
According to a report by Hechinger, numerous state public-university scholarships previously designated for underrepresented racial groups have also disappeared, collectively exceeding an estimated $60 million in funding, although experts believe the actual figure could be significantly higher. Officials in states like Missouri, Kentucky, and Wisconsin have mandated that public institutions cease using race as a criterion for scholarship eligibility in light of the ruling.
Beyond lost scholarships, a comprehensive review by Hechinger found a decline in various fellowships, mentoring programs, and pipeline initiatives aimed at fostering diversity, many of which were not explicitly addressed in the court’s decision.
Despite reports indicating a significant decrease in Black student enrollment this fall, a complete analysis of these changes remains pending, as many institutions have yet to finalize or verify their data.
Meanwhile, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to assume office, a new chapter is anticipated, characterized by a clear opposition to race-based employment practices and a pledge to confront what he terms an “anti-white sentiment” prevalent in the country.
“It feels like we are experiencing a larger assault on fundamental truths…we’re regressing,” stated Natasha Warikoo, a Tufts sociology professor who has extensively researched affirmative action. She is among numerous advocates who underscore its advantages, supported by ample academic evidence.
Warikoo expresses concern about the implications of reducing diversity in campus environments, which she believes contribute to a vibrant academic atmosphere. Many universities in Massachusetts, including Tufts University, have reported a decline in Black students, dropping from 7.3 percent last year to only 4.7 percent this year.
Similarly, at Amherst College, the percentage of Black students fell from 11 percent to only 3 percent, alarming scholars and advocates like Anthony Abraham Jack. Jack, an alumnus of Amherst, recounts the challenges he and other Black students faced in adapting to an environment they found financially daunting with an annual tuition cost approaching $90,000.
Related: After all the fuss about getting in, how do poor and wealthy students survive on elite college campuses?
Jack comments, “When I talk about DEI, I’m not limiting it to diversity and equity initiatives. These programs are also crucial for student retention. A stronger connection to the campus community enhances academic performance, mental well-being, and accessibility to university resources.”
Predicting the future demographic composition of college campuses poses challenges, as many institutions have not yet disclosed detailed enrollment data or demographic breakdowns. However, a brief overview of freshman diversity statistics from universities involved in the affirmative action case reveals some trends.
* Black students constituted a smaller share of the freshman population at Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, and Dartmouth. Princeton and Yale’s enrollment figures remained comparatively stable.
* Hispanic students made up a larger percentage of first-year enrollees at Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale, yet declines were noted at Cornell, Brown, Columbia, and Princeton.
* The percentage of Asian students increased at Columbia, Brown, and Cornell, but decreased at Yale, Princeton, and Dartmouth, remaining steady at Harvard.
Concerns linger that a thorough understanding of these shifts may be delayed as institutions may withhold specific statistics due to fears of inciting further legal challenges from Edward Blum of Students for Fair Admissions, who has previously threatened several colleges for allegedly contravening the new regulations.
Nevertheless, the landscape of college admissions has already transformed significantly. Alleyne continues to guide talented students toward elite universities, traditionally regarded as the most supportive regarding financial aid and opportunities for socioeconomic advancement.
Related: Will the Rodriguez family’s dreams survive the end of affirmative action?
Many gifted low-income students have shared their stories of transformation following active recruitment from selective colleges targeting underrepresented demographics. Alphina Kamara, a 2022 graduate of Wesleyan University, articulated her experiences in an opinion piece for The Hechinger Report, reflecting on feelings of isolation in a predominantly white environment and observing reminders of the societal barriers faced by Black individuals.
Wesleyan reported a slight increase in Black student enrollment this fall, rising to 12 percent from 11 percent the previous year. The university, alongside others such as Amherst, is discontinuing legacy admissions and committing to maintaining diverse classes.
In discussions surrounding this issue, Richard Kahlenberg remains a prominent advocate for considering economic and class disadvantages in admissions strategies. He asserts that doing so could provide more students with access to prestigious institutions like Wesleyan, which many lower-income applicants find financially prohibitive without extensive financial aid support.
Additionally, various perspectives have echoed Kahlenberg’s viewpoints, indicating that favorable public opinion towards affirmative action has significantly diminished. A 2019 Pew Research survey showed that a substantial majority, about 73 percent, of Americans opposed race-based considerations in college admissions.
Kahlenberg, in his forthcoming publication “Class Matters,” reflects on the potential evolution of admissions processes at elite universities to ensure greater opportunities for low-income and working-class students, including those identifying as Black and Hispanic.
Related: Cutting race-based scholarships blocks path to college, students say
While Alleyne expresses concern regarding the diminishing opportunities for students like Hamza Parker, he also notes a personal silver lining. After dealing with several rejections and wait-lists, Parker opted to attend the University of Delaware to conserve costs while commuting. Eventually, he made the decision to live on campus and is now adapting to his new environment.
“I’m enjoying it much more than I anticipated,” Parker shared recently. “I’ve met so many new friends and have had the chance to learn from some truly remarkable professors.”
Source
hechingerreport.org