Last blog post, we looked at the constitutionality of Affirmative Action bans. More specifically, we looked at what case allowed these bans to happen. In the case of Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, voters were allowed to vote on the issues of Affirmative Action. The states who have banned Affirmative Action policies are Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Nebraska, and New Hampshire. Florida and New Hampshire were the only two states who did not have voter referendum as the other states did. But, what are the methods that these states have used to ensure diversity at campus? Today, we will look at how these states have improved diversity without relying on race-based policies.
The methods that each state has followed was to promote racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity on campus. The top five strategies that were used are: Creating Percent Plans, Adding Socioeconomic Factors to Admissions, Funding New Finacial aid Programs, Improving Recruitment and Support, and Dropping Legacy Preferences.
- The Creation of Percent Plans:
Seniors who graduated at the top percentage of their High School class was guaranteed admission at Public Colleges. This plan not only ensured geographical diversity but enhances socioeconomic and racial diversity. This plan applies to all high schools, despite whether it is underfunded or well funded. States who followed those methods are California, Florida, and Texas.
- The Addition of Socioeconomic Factors to Admission Processes:
Colleges within those states had added socioeconomic factors to admission decisions. Such factors include family income, wealth, parent status (single parent or not), high school performance, neighborhood demographics, and parent’s education level. The University of Washington has started to ask applicants to describe any personal hardships or work or family obligations they have faced.
- Funding for New Financial Aid Programs:
Financial aid is vital for students who go to college. But financial aid is a crucial ingredient to those who come from low-income families. Some colleges and universities have increased their financial aid packages to have low-income students attend their schools. Any of the campuses at the University of Nebraska now offers free tuition for all Nebraska residents who are Pell Grant recipients, that maintain a minimum GPA and full-time enrollment.
- Improving Recruitment and Support:
Universities and colleges have increased outreach and support for low-income students. Students who have high grades and who are from low-income families do not know about their college options. So, to alleviate those problems, universities try to reach out to those students. The University of Florida has created a program designed for first-generation college students. The University of Florida also supports them by giving them full scholarships once enrolled too.
- Dropping Legacy Preferences:
The question that is known on all college applications: Do you have a parent who has attended this college? Colleges who have banned race-based affirmative action policies have also banned this question. Legacy preferences tend to favor white, wealthy applicants while also harming disadvantaged applicants. After ending its affirmative action policies, the University of California, University of Georgia, and Texas A&M University all dropped their legacy preference.
My Conclusion:
Looking at the methods colleges and universities are using compared to using race-based affirmative action policies, I feel as though Affirmative Actions policies do the same thing. People do not support the use of race on college admissions, but support the idea of increasing minority students on campus. A recent study suggests that 63% of Americans believe that race or ethnicity should not be a factor in college admissions. But 71% of Americans say that “Affirmative Action programs designed to increase the number of black and minority students on college campuses are a good thing.” Those methods sound fair, but not all minorities fall within those categories. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and hardships. But, racially, we are all the same. Race-based admissions ensure that everyone considered within the application process.
Izzy's World 