Today, before the First Circuit Court of Appeals, civil rights lawyers, led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, will argue that Harvard University’s race-conscious admissions policy must be upheld. If not, the groups may be headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
According to the groups, the policy acknowledges race-based barriers still exist in our society, and affirmative action programs ensure our nation’s most selective colleges do not overlook students of color. Race is an integral part of a students’ identity, and affirmative action programs are advantageous to our education system and to combat racial justice.
The national Lawyers’ Committee will highlight testimony from a multiracial group of students to demonstrate how Harvard’s individualized admissions process allowed them to showcase their full strengths and abilities.
Listen to a preview of the arguments here.
For more than 40 years, the U.S. Supreme Court has held that it is lawful for University’s to have an admissions place that considers race as one of many factors.
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