Naval Academy Defends Race-Conscious Admissions in Trial

The U.S. Naval Academy is currently facing a federal trial challenging its race-conscious admissions policies, following a Supreme Court ruling that banned such practices at civilian universities but left military academies with some leeway. The conservative group Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) argues that these policies violate the Fifth Amendment by unfairly disadvantaging White and Asian American applicants. The Biden administration defends the academy's practices, emphasizing the importance of diversity for effective military leadership. U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett, who has a military background, is presiding over the case, which could set a precedent for military academies nationwide. The trial reflects broader debates about affirmative action and equal protection under the law, especially in the context of national security. A similar lawsuit against the U.S. Military Academy at West Point is also pending.