A student group claiming discrimination against Asians and Whites in admissions sued the University of California Monday.
Reuters reports Students Against Racial Discrimination says the use of race in admissions favors less academically qualified applicants over others.
California voters in 1996 passed Proposition 209 banning the use of race, sex, or ethnicity in college admissions. The lawsuit alleges UC’s current admissions policy which it describes as “holistic” violates that law. It called for the return of “meritocracy.”
However, the university says it changed its policy after 209 passed and says it only collects data for statistical purposes, according to Your News.
Among those named in the lawsuit, The Times of India reports, is California Gov Gavin Newsom, who has publicly clashed with President Trump who has made the end of diversity, equity and inclusion a cornerstone of his administration.
Students Against Racial Discrimination says that also including extracurricular activities, socio-economic background and life experiences in admissions along with academic performances leads to less-qualified admitttants.
The University argues holistic admissions leads to a more well-rounded student body, enabling students to learn from each other.
The lawsuit comes on the heels of a Supreme Court decision in 2023 prohibiting the use of affirmative action in college admissions.
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
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When you get into and graduate from the Ivy League. Then what? As an Asian American I must say Yes academics are important. But in the real world, we have to interact with other people and we should be trained in human relations, negotiation methods and leadership skills. Perhaps, we can/should learn a lot from what the Jewish families are doing in raising their children.