UC Sued for Alleged Racial Bias in Admissions

A lawsuit has been filed against the University of California by Students Against Racial Discrimination, alleging that the university's admissions process discriminates against Asian-American and white applicants by favoring Black and Hispanic students. The suit claims this practice violates Proposition 209, the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment, and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The plaintiffs argue that UC's 'holistic' admissions approach results in less qualified students being admitted over more academically qualified candidates. UC officials have stated that race and ethnicity data are collected only for statistical purposes and are not used in admissions decisions. This legal action follows a 2023 Supreme Court ruling that struck down race-conscious admissions policies in higher education. The plaintiffs seek to enforce a colorblind admissions process and end race-based practices at UC campuses.