Avoiding the Hunger Games: How Professional Schools Can Commit to Racial Justice Post-Affirmative Action

• In Event: Reconsidering Diversity in Admissions: Strength-Based Approaches in a Post-Affirmative Action World

Abstract

Graduate/professional education plays a pivotal role in the ongoing debate surrounding the use of race in college admissions. This project is a critical inquiry meant to reimagine racial equity in professional schools after Affirmative Action. A legal analysis of the majority opinion from Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard (2023) was conducted. Preliminary results show the opinion did allow for some limited ways to enhance student diversity. A review of university responses to the decision further indicated that many of the schools failed to commit to any concrete plans in their press releases and statements. This study calls on professional schools to utilize the tools still available to ensure diversity within their professions.

Author

• Dwayne Kwaysee Wright, The George Washington University