The June 2023 Supreme Court decision banning colleges from considering race in admissions has triggered a significant shift in higher education. Beyond affecting who is admitted to colleges, the ruling has prompted a series of state laws that limit or eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) programs at universities. Race-based scholarships are also facing increased scrutiny, as schools reassess their policies in response to the decision.
Several universities, including the University of Alabama, have stopped considering race in some scholarship decisions. Despite these changes, the university maintains that its commitment to providing opportunities for all students remains unchanged. This move reflects a broader trend where institutions are rethinking how race factors into financial aid and scholarship programs, now that it is no longer considered in admissions.
Supreme Court Ruling on Race-Based Admissions Triggers Shift in College Policies and Scholarships
This shift is being explored in a documentary short produced by Soledad O’Brien Productions and Retro Report, in collaboration with TIME and The Hechinger Report. The film highlights how the rollback of D.E.I. efforts is impacting students’ access to scholarships and other opportunities. It shows how these changes are reshaping student experiences and altering the way universities offer support to their student bodies.
The Supreme Court ruling has sparked a nationwide conversation about the role of race in higher education and prompted significant changes in university policies. As institutions navigate these new legal challenges, the future of D.E.I. programs and race-based scholarships is uncertain, with wide-ranging implications for both students and universities across the country.
