Supreme Court Ruling Alters College Demographics

Following the Supreme Court's 2023 decision to ban race-based admissions, several top universities, including MIT, Amherst College, and the University of North Carolina, have reported significant declines in Black and Hispanic enrollment. MIT saw Black student enrollment drop from 13% to 5%, while Amherst's Black student enrollment fell from 11% to 3%. At the University of North Carolina, Black and Hispanic student numbers declined by over 25% and 7%, respectively. Conversely, historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) have experienced a surge in applications and enrollments, as many Black students seek environments where they feel more welcomed and supported. This shift underscores the systemic challenges and changing dynamics in higher education post-affirmative action. The Supreme Court's decision has forced institutions to explore new methods to achieve diverse student bodies.