Naval Academy faces trial over race in admissions. What you should know.
BALTIMORE -- A federal trial challenging the U.S. Naval Academy's practice of considering race in admitting students got underway on Monday in downtown Baltimore. It marks the latest effort by an anti-affirmative-action group to eliminate race-conscious policies in higher education.
Students For Fair Admissions sued the Annapolis-based Naval Academy, arguing that its admissions policies are unlawful and discriminate against white and Asian applicants. That same group was behind landmark 2023 U.S. Supreme Court cases against Harvard and the University of North Carolina that struck down policies to boost minority enrollment, changing the way selective colleges and universities across the country choose their students.
Military academies were exempt from this ruling.
"Consistently defending the proper consideration of race to make sure that there is a qualified and diverse applicant pool, and that people have access to opportunities, particularly here, is important because the class the composition of the incoming classes at the Naval Academy significantly dictates the Naval officers that will be acquitted in 30 years down the line," said Leah Watson, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union.
Impact on military academy admissions
This trial could have a significant impact on military academy admissions. The trial is expected to last two weeks.
Students for Fair Admissions is arguing its admissions policies are "unlawful" and discriminate against white and Asian applicants.
The Naval Academy argues a holistic approach in its admissions, saying its goal is to ensure class diversity reflects that of the United States population and its role in protecting the nation.
While both parties declined to comment, Watson described her point of view from the courtroom.
"The Students for Fair Admissions were continuing its crusade, as they mentioned a 10-year crusade, to eradicate consideration of race in higher education, and we also saw that the Department of Justice gave very concrete examples of why considerations of race are important here," Watson said.
