Top Colleges, Including MIT, Submit Supreme Court Brief Endorsing Race Factor in Admission Process
In a recent development, MIT and 13 other prestigious universities have filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Fisher v. University of Texas. The brief, which supports the use of race as a criterion in undergraduate admissions, argues that the consideration of race is a necessary component of achieving diversity in higher education and is essential for the educational missions of these institutions.
The universities contend that diversity within the classroom enriches the educational experience for all students, providing them with a more rigorous and enriching educational environment. They assert that the educational benefits of a diverse student body are substantial and well-documented, and that race-conscious admissions policies are narrowly tailored and constitute one part of a flexible, individualized review process.
Stuart Schmill, MIT's dean of admissions, reiterated this sentiment, stating that having a diverse student body is essential for the education that all students receive. MIT President L. Rafael Reif and Dean of Undergraduate Education Daniel Hastings have also previously emphasized the importance of ensuring a diverse student body to enrich the learning environment.
The brief maintains that the University of Texas's use of race as a factor in undergraduate admissions is constitutional, as supported by the Supreme Court's decision in Grutter v. Bollinger. The case, which challenged whether the University of Texas's use of race in admissions met constitutional standards under strict scrutiny, is particularly relevant to the amicus brief. The amici's stance supports the view that carefully considered use of race is constitutionally permissible and necessary to foster diversity and inclusion.
Abigail Fisher, a white applicant, sued the University of Texas in 2008 after being denied admission, claiming the consideration of race is unconstitutional. The Supreme Court's ruling in the case will have significant implications for the future of affirmative action in university admissions.
Emma Teng, co-chair of the MIT Committee on Race and Diversity, emphasized that diversity within the classroom enriches the educational experience for all students. The University of Texas also cites diversity in higher education as a compelling government interest, as recognized in the 2003 Supreme Court decision, Grutter v. Bollinger.
In sum, the amicus brief from MIT and other leading universities supports the constitutionality of race-conscious admissions as a critical tool in achieving diverse and inclusive undergraduate educational environments. The universities argue that the Supreme Court's ruling in Fisher v. University of Texas should uphold the use of race as a criterion in undergraduate admissions, recognizing the substantial educational benefits of a diverse student body and the narrowly tailored nature of race-conscious admissions policies.
- The contention in the amicus brief is that diversity in undergraduate education, as supported by research, significantly enriches the learning environment and educational experience for all students.
- The MIT Committee on Race and Diversity, led by Emma Teng, co-chair, shares this view, emphasizing that diversity within the classroom is essential for a more rigorous and enriching educational experience.
- The universities argue that schools like MIT need diversity to foster innovation and the exchange of ideas, key aspects of self-development and engineering education.
- The brief also posits that a diverse student body enriches the general news discourse and politics, providing perspectives that broaden the understanding of societal and environmental issues.
- The universities contend that the use of race as a factor in undergraduate admissions is a component of their educational missions, as it fosters diversity and leads to more inclusive learning environments.
- Student learning is positively influenced by a diverse classroom, according to the universities, which is essential in today's interconnected world for the development of global citizens.
- The amici's stance upholds the view that the carefully considered use of race in admissions is constitutionally permissible, as affirmed by previous Supreme Court decisions such as Grutter v. Bollinger.
- The universities further argue that the Supreme Court's ruling in Fisher v. University of Texas should affirm the use of race as a criterion in undergraduate admissions, acknowledging the substantial educational benefits of a diverse student body and the narrowly tailored nature of race-conscious admissions policies.
