ACLU Comment on Appeals Court Decision in Harvard Admissions Case

BOSTON — A federal appeals court ruled in favor of Harvard University today in an affirmative action case. The court agreed with a lower court ruling that Harvard does not intentionally discriminate against prospective Asian American students and can consider race as a factor in its admissions process.

Sarah Hinger, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Racial Justice Program, had the following reaction:

“We are glad the court recognized this lawsuit for what it is: a vehicle for an anti-affirmative action agenda, not a righteous fight for equality. Harvard’s right to consider all aspects of a student’s background for admission — including race — is not only constitutional, it’s critical to becoming a more inclusive society. This is a win for racial equity and for the future of diversity on campuses across the country.”

The ACLU filed an amicus brief supporting Harvard which can be found here: https://www.aclu.org/legal-document/sffa-v-harvard-aclu-amicus-brief