After SFFA v. Harvard/UNC: Affirmative Action and Beyond

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Session Description

In the summer of 2023, the Supreme Court issued a decision that significantly narrowed the consideration of race in college admissions. This roundtable brings together scholars of law and scholars of race and politics to discuss research and legal analysis that speaks to the consequences of SFFA v. Harvard/UNC for racial equity. While many media outlets reported the outcome of these cases as “the end of affirmative action,” this panel makes it clear that the consideration of race in college admissions was not banned altogether. It offers an analysis of the current legal parameters associated with the decision. In addition, the panelists will explore how colleges and universities responded, public opinion in the aftermath of SFFA v. Harvard/UNC, and where the consideration of race in public policy is coming under attack in other contexts. In addition, the panelists will also discuss race-neutral approaches to educational equity in terms of effectiveness and the current legal landscape. The overall theme of the panel is to consider the Supreme Court is shaping institutional behaviors, educational opportunities, and racial politics in the U.S.

Sub Unit

• Division 27: Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence

Chair

• Janelle Wong

Presenters

• Jonathan Feingold Boston University School of Law

• Deondra Rose Duke University

• Ricardo Ramirez University of Notre Dame