NASFAA Signs Brief Arguing That Race-Conscious Admissions Is Protected by the First Amendment

By Maria Carrasco, NASFAA Staff Reporter

NASFAA, along with 39 other higher education organizations, signed an amicus brief arguing that admissions officers considering race in college applications are protected by the First Amendment.

The brief is in response to two Supreme Court cases on affirmative action — one at Harvard University and the other at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. NASFAA and the other higher education organizations write that by banning race consideration in the admissions review, student expression would be stifled and many applicants wouldn’t receive the full benefits — such as those whose racial or ethnic identity plays a role in their life experiences.

“Amici believe that a diverse student body is essential to important educational objectives of colleges and universities,” the brief states. “Within long-settled judicial parameters, each institution should be able to use holistic admissions to comprise a student body that will advance its own particular mission. Careful holistic review gives each applicant individualized consideration and reduces no one to his or her race."

Publication Date: 8/3/2022

David S | 8/3/2022 10:50:19 AM

Thank you, NASFAA. You're on the side of justice.

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NASFAA Signs Brief Arguing That Race-Conscious Admissions Is Protected by the First Amendment

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