Ensuring inclusive STEM education under new affirmative action guidelines

Universities can no longer consider an individual student’s race in college admissions, potentially limiting educational and career opportunities for underrepresented students. This summer, the United States Supreme Court ruled In Students For Fair Admissions, Inc. v. Harvard College and University of North Carolina that the two schools violated the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the Title VI Civil Rights Act of 1964 by “impermissibly using race in their undergraduate admissions processes.” The Court’s decision requires any college or university receiving financial assistance to exclude race as a factor, leaving many institutions unsure of how to recruit marginalized students lawfully.

Up until June 29, 2023, race-conscious college admissions policies helped offset deeply rooted inequalities that persist in our educational system. Such policies have helped level the playing field; however, inequities still prevail despite these efforts, specifically in STEM disciplines. Recent data by the National Center of Education Statistics indicates that nearly 60 percent of bachelor’s degrees in STEM were awarded to White students. In comparison, only 15 percent were awarded to Latinx students and 9 percent to African American students.

Institutions still need to pursue opportunities to shrink those gaps and ensure access for all students to a bright future in STEM careers.

Given the Court’s recent ruling, here’s how colleges and universities can develop strategies that attract students of color, particularly in the STEM field.

Read the full article at ecampusnews.com.