The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled that race-conscious admissions policies at Harvard College and the University of North Carolina (UNC) violate the Constitution, effectively ending affirmative action in higher education[1]. This decision could have significant implications for jobs and education for minorities, particularly for African Americans, the under-served, and economically disadvantaged individuals. The Memphis Urban League, an organization dedicated to empowering communities and changing lives, is committed to assisting these groups in expanding economic opportunities and securing equality, power, and civil rights[2].

Affirmative action programs were initially designed to prevent discrimination and promote diversity by eliminating barriers to equal employment opportunities for minorities and women[3]. However, the recent Supreme Court ruling found that Harvard and UNC’s admissions policies violated the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment[2]. This decision could end the ability of colleges and universities to consider race as one of many factors in deciding which qualified applicants to admit[2].

Impact on Jobs and Education for Minorities

The end of affirmative action in higher education could have several consequences for minorities:

1. Decreased representation in higher education: With race no longer being considered in admissions, there is a risk that minority representation in higher education could decrease[2]. This could lead to a less diverse student body and potentially limit opportunities for minority students.

2. Increased racial inequality: Studies have shown that racial inequality persists in both college and the workplace[4]. The end of affirmative action could exacerbate these inequalities, as minority students may face more significant barriers to obtaining a good job and achieving socioeconomic mobility[4].

3. Reduced access to quality education: Students in predominantly minority schools are less likely to have access to fully qualified teachers or higher-level degrees[5]. Without affirmative action, these students may face even greater challenges in accessing quality education and resources.

4. Potential impact on workplace diversity: Although the Supreme Court ruling does not directly affect workplace diversity efforts, it could create a “chilling effect” on businesses that may become concerned about lawsuits against diverse hiring practices and initiatives[6]. This could lead to increased scrutiny of diversity programs and potentially hinder efforts to create more inclusive workplaces.

5. Widening unemployment gap: Research has shown that the black unemployment rate is significantly higher than the white unemployment rate, regardless of educational attainment[7]. The end of affirmative action could further widen this gap, as minority students may face additional barriers to obtaining higher education and securing good jobs.

In conclusion, the Supreme Court’s decision to block the use of affirmative action at Harvard and UNC could have significant implications for jobs and education for minorities. It may lead to decreased representation in higher education, increased racial inequality, reduced access to quality education, potential impacts on workplace diversity, and a widening unemployment gap. The Memphis Urban League remains committed to proactively removing the social and economic barriers that negatively impact the communities across our city and county[8]. By supporting the Memphis Urban League’s mission, you can help empower communities and change lives for the under-served and economically disadvantaged.

Citations:
[1] https://www.government.se/contentassets/6310cf0f5c5049c6b0ee15d1cfc49b74/harry-holzer-the-economic-impact-of-affirmative-action-in-the-us
[2] https://memul.org
[3] https://gap.hks.harvard.edu/impact-eliminating-affirmative-action-minority-and-female-employment-natural-experiment-approach
[4] https://clintonwhitehouse3.archives.gov/WH/EOP/OP/html/aa/aa02.html
[5] https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-supreme-court-strikes-down-university-race-conscious-admissions-policies-2023-06-29/
[6] https://www.jstor.org/stable/3380976
[7] https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/how-will-the-end-of-affirmative-action-impact-black-and-latino-students/
[8] https://memul.org/mul-young-professionals/