The international education sector in the United States is working to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion across the sector. The United States Supreme Court’s Chief Justice John Roberts ruled that the admissions policies of Harvard University and the University of North Carolina violate the Constitution because they “unavoidably [employ] race in a negative manner” and contain “racial stereotyping.”
President Biden and US Senator Chuck Schumer are against the decision. Schumer added that it has “put a giant roadblock in our country’s march towards racial justice”. He further stated that students of colour will have limited opportunities in the coming year.
Diversity abroad, said that the decision will have significant implications for diversifying education abroad, which will attract international students to the US. Thus, an inclusive and welcoming learning environment will be established.
The Institute of International Education stated that it will “continue to do so” in its struggle for universal access to higher education and equal access to the world’s knowledge. The American Association of Colleges and Universities said that they had noted a sharp decline in the enrollment rate of students earlier, when race was no longer considered an admission criteria. President of the Association of American Universities, Barbara R. Snyder, said the decision was deeply disappointing but that it does not change the responsibility of higher education institutions “to provide the best possible learning environment for students.”
Meanwhile, there are some critics of the policy who welcome the move. Reportedly, there are several institutions around the country that have banned the practise. However, there are some top institutions like Harvard and UNC that maintain the practise. According to a ruling by the US Supreme Court, affirmative action schemes are unlawful since they go against the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection under the law.’