As high school students and their families approach college, they face an evolving admissions landscape. Since the Supreme Court banned race-based affirmative action in 2023, colleges have been forced to rethink how they evaluate applicants. Now, new lawsuits, federal investigations, and shifting policies are reshaping the process even further. Here’s what students and families need to know.
Federal Investigations Into College DEI Programs
What’s happening
The U.S. Department of Education is investigating 45 universities, including Yale and UC Berkeley, over allegations that their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs violate federal laws banning race-based discrimination (Axios, March 14, 2025). The Trump administration has taken a stricter stance on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits racial preferences in federally funded programs (CT Insider, March 14, 2025). The Department of Education released this list of the 45 schools.
What this means for students
- Colleges may eliminate or modify scholarships, summer programs, and mentoring initiatives designed for specific racial groups.
- Universities are shifting toward socioeconomic factors and first-generation status rather than race in their admissions policies.
- The legal scrutiny could lead to broader federal enforcement, affecting admissions practices at both public and private institutions.
While federal investigations focus on DEI programs, some universities also face legal challenges regarding their admissions practices.
The University of California Sued Over Alleged Racial Bias in Admissions
What’s happening
A lawsuit against the University of California (UC) system claims its admissions policies favor Black and Hispanic students over Asian and white applicants, despite California’s ban on race-based preferences (Reuters, March 12, 2025). The plaintiffs argue that UC indirectly considers race by prioritizing applicants from predominantly minority-serving high schools.
What this means for students
- UC schools may need to rely more on test scores, GPAs, and extracurriculars rather than high school demographics.
- Other universities using indirect diversity strategies could face similar legal challenges.
- Colleges may put greater emphasis on personal essays to assess applicants’ backgrounds without explicitly considering race.
As lawsuits challenge how colleges approach diversity, some institutions are exploring alternative strategies to maintain inclusivity.
Shift Toward Class-Based Diversity Programs
What’s happening
Some commentators argue that instead of race-based affirmative action, colleges should focus on class-based admissions strategies that favor students from low-income backgrounds and first-generation college students. A recent opinion piece suggests this approach would be more widely accepted by the public and could achieve similar diversity outcomes (New York Post, March 15, 2025).
What this means for students
- Lower-income students may have a better chance of admission as colleges prioritize economic hardship over race.
- Wealthier students may face more competition, even with strong academic records.
- Essays and personal statements will likely carry more weight as colleges evaluate applicants’ life challenges.
While some colleges shift their diversity strategies, others struggle to comply with new federal guidance.
Colleges Face Uncertainty Over Federal Compliance
What’s happening
Many universities are unsure how far they can go in considering applicants’ backgrounds without violating federal rules. Some institutions have removed diversity-related essay questions entirely, while others are redesigning essay prompts to encourage applicants to discuss personal challenges in a legally compliant way. The lack of clear enforcement policies means that universities are testing different approaches, with some waiting for further federal guidance before making significant changes (The Atlantic, March 14, 2025).
What this means for students
- Personal essays are becoming even more important, as colleges use them to assess diversity without directly considering race.
- Colleges may increase outreach to underprivileged communities rather than relying on demographic-based affirmative action.
- Policies may continue to shift, as universities adapt to federal enforcement and potential new lawsuits.
While most universities are adjusting to the new rules, military academies have been granted an exception.
Race-Based Considerations Still Allowed at Military Academies
What’s happening
A federal judge ruled that the U.S. Naval Academy can continue considering race in admissions, arguing that diversity among military officers is a compelling national security interest (Associated Press, March 10, 2025). This decision contrasts with the Supreme Court’s ruling for civilian colleges, reinforcing that military institutions operate under different legal standards.
What this means for students
- Applicants to military academies will see little change in how race factors into admissions.
- This ruling may set a precedent for future legal debates on whether other institutions — such as ROTC programs — can maintain race-conscious admissions policies.
- Future lawsuits could challenge this decision, depending on political and legal shifts in the coming years.
With affirmative action policies evolving, students and families must be proactive in understanding how these changes impact college admissions.
What Families Should Expect in the Admissions Process
- Race-based affirmative action is no longer an option, but colleges are adapting by focusing on socioeconomic status and life experiences.
- Lawsuits and federal investigations could lead to further changes, especially for universities still using indirect race-conscious admissions practices.
- Essays, extracurricular achievements, and financial background are playing a greater role as colleges try to assess diversity without considering race.
- Students should carefully research how their target colleges are adjusting their admissions criteria.
As legal challenges continue, students and families should research how each college is adapting to these changes. Check university admissions websites, talk to college counselors, and stay updated on ongoing legal developments that could impact admissions criteria.
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