TOPLINE: The Supreme Court dismissed an emergency plea on Friday seeking to prohibit the use of race in admissions at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. This decision allows the institution to maintain its historical consideration of race in admissions for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
KEY FACTS:
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In an unsigned order, the court deemed the challenge by Students for Fair Admissions, an anti-affirmative action group, as underdeveloped.
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The court clarified that its order, without any dissents, should not be interpreted as expressing any stance on the constitutional question’s merits.
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Students for Fair Admissions, responsible for cases ending affirmative action in college admissions, filed the emergency request on Jan. 26. This occurred five days before West Point halted applications, even though the school had already extended numerous offers, according to Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar.
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Prelogar argued that a lack of diversity in leadership could impede the Army’s ability to succeed in wars, citing historical racial tension within the military and allegations of minority soldiers being used as “cannon fodder” during the Vietnam War.
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Edward Blum, the founder of Students for Fair Admissions, expressed disappointment, stating that future West Point applicants would have their race factored into admission decisions.
CRUCIAL QUOTE: “Every year this case languishes in discovery, trial and appeals means that our nation’s best and brightest young men and women will be classified, sorted, and preferred based on their skin color rather than just on their abilities,” said Edward Blum.
KEY BACKGROUND:
- In a 6-3 decision ending affirmative action in college admissions, Chief Justice John Roberts exempted military academies in a footnote, citing “distinct interests.” However, Students for Fair Admissions continued to challenge the use of race in military academy admissions, suing West Point and the U.S. Naval Academy. A federal judge denied a preliminary injunction request in December, arguing the group failed to show discriminatory use of race in admissions at the Naval Academy.