Supreme Court Ruling on Race in Admission

Get the information, key resources, materials, and event details you need from the Access and Diversity Collaborative to make strategic decisions in light of the Court’s ruling.

Access and Diversity Collaborative

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On June 29, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled to significantly limit the use of race in college admissions. Get the key details and resources you need from the Access and Diversity Collaborative to make strategic decisions in light of the Court's decision.

Start Here: Get Briefed

Need to get up to speed on the case and its implications for your campus? 

Supreme Court Ruling Overview

Take Action: Key Resources

Review materials and publications to help you examine and review your admissions policies.

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Join Us: Webinars and Events

Get up-to-the-minute information on the ruling by attending an upcoming event or viewing a past webinar recording or slidedeck. 

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Early Insights: How the SCOTUS ruling is impacting admission policy and practice

Following the Supreme Court ruling, Access and Diversity Collaborative (ADC) sponsors identified the need for insights on how their peers were navigating the new legal landscape. Review results gathered to establish a baseline understanding of policy and practice changes across ADC institutions.

Review Survey Findings

Race-Neutral Strategies in a Post-SCOTUS Environment

Our most recent webinar (June 2024) discusses the legal and enrollment policy landscape following the Supreme Court’s 2023 SFFA v. Harvard/UNC decision, with a focus on “race-neutral” policies that can advance institutional diversity, equity and inclusion interests. This webinar will provide race-neutral strategies and “plays” higher education institutions can consider as they design and implement enrollment policies, focused on recruitment selection and yield initiatives and models of success. 

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race neutral strategies in a post-SCOTUS environment

Webinars and Events

Our webinars and events combine expert analysis with hands-on best practices and discussions from leaders in the field of diversity and admissions. Learn more about the case, issues, and implications by reviewing one of our prerecorded webinars.

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Webinar: Race and College Admissions: What's Next (March 2024)

Review this recording from March 2024 that explores how institutions can navigate the new legal landscape while operating within the confines of the law. Important questions remain at this pivotal juncture regarding emerging lessons learned and plans for ongoing public and student engagement, including with respect to the release of new enrollment data. This webinar offers reflections on emerging trend and implementation insights; recommendations regarding strategies for public engagement with respect to new enrollment data in 2024; and an overview of emerging second-generation legal issues and new cases on the horizon that will likely affect the evolving legal landscape of race and college admissions.

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The Shifting Landscape: Navigating the Supreme Court’s Decision on Race in College Admission

Review this recorded session from July 2023 for an analysis of the Supreme Court’s opinions in the SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. UNC cases, including information regarding the enrollment policy and practice implications of those decisions. To access this presentation, use the passcode: access2023!

  • Go to Webinar Recording

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Navigating in Times of Challenge: Fundamentals on Policy and Practice Associated with Race and Ethnicity in Admissions

Review this recorded session from June 2022 to learn additional specific, race-neutral enrollment management strategies in advance of the major U.S. Supreme Court action expected this fall and next year. Legal, policy, and practice professionals share their expertise and guidance, including how to leverage College Board's Landscape® tool in the context of the broader legal environment. passcode: access2022!

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Navigating in Times of Challenge: Reflecting on Oral Arguments and Getting Ready

Review this recorded session from December 2022 to hear from experts who unpack the fall oral arguments—highlighting surprises and key points that could shape the Court’s final decisions. You will also get a recommended framework, suggested strategies, and a timeline for immediate action based on a range of possible outcomes. To access the recording, use this passcode: access2022!

  • Go to Webinar Recording

Key Resources, Case Documents, and Materials

These materials and publications can support your work as you examine your current policies or move towards race-neutral admission policies in light of the Supreme Court's 2023 ruling. Also, get a better understanding of this issue and the case history with our analyses and guidance on court cases related to access and diversity.

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Questions and Answers Regarding the Supreme Court's Decision

This document provides institutions of higher education with information about the Court’s decision. The DOJ and DOE will continue to address all complaints of race discrimination by applying the relevant legal standards under civil rights statutes and will vigorously enforce civil rights protections, including prohibitions against racial discrimination. We hope you find the Questions and Answers enclosed to be helpful in implementing lawful admissions programs on your campus, consistent with the recent decision.

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  • 250.26 KB

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Preliminary Guidance Regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision in SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. UNC

This preliminary working draft has been developed to provide initial guidance regarding the Supreme Court’s SFFA opinions.

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Federal Nondiscrimination Law Regarding Diversity: Implications for Higher Education Financial Aid and Scholarship Policies and Programs

This guide gives undergraduate and professional school enrollment officials practical, actionable information and guidance on the design and implementation of financial aid and scholarship policies that advance diversity goals through consideration of race, ethnicity, and sex.

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  • 506.54 KB

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The Playbook: Understanding the Role of Race Neutral Strategies in Advancing Higher Education Diversity, 2nd Edition

This practical guide provides an overview of race-and ethnicity-neutral strategies and “plays” that can advance institutional diversity interests.

  • PDF
  • 1.01 MB

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Resource for K12 School Leaders: Understanding the Supreme Court’s Ruling

Now that the consideration of race as a status or category is no longer permitted in college admissions, colleges are evaluating their policies and considering what adjustments to make to comply with the Supreme Court ruling. It’s important for school counselors to understand the impact of the ruling and to identify next steps students should take on their journey to college.

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  • 170.7 KB

Access and Diversity Collaborative (ADC)

Effective education policy begins with experts coming together to discuss and develop sound practices that are fair and equitable for all students. The ADC helps advocate for policies that promote access and diversity on college campuses by bringing together thought leaders from across disciplines and providing them with resources that support meaningful policy and practice discussions.