Federal Judge Upholds Use of Race in US Naval Academy Admissions
A federal judge has ruled against Students for Fair Admissions in their challenge to the United States Naval Academy’s practice of considering race in admissions applications. US District Court Judge Richard Bennett in Maryland rejected the anti-affirmative action group’s claims, stating that a diverse military is in the national interest.
Students for Fair Admissions, known for challenging the use of race in university admissions, also brought a case against Harvard University. The US Supreme Court ruled in their favor in June 2023, but left room for considerations of national security to impact the question of race and admissions, potentially providing an exemption for military academies.
While opponents of affirmative action argue that race-based admissions unfairly benefit some groups, proponents argue that such efforts help counter the effects of historical segregation and exclusion faced by racial minorities. During a trial in September, lawyers for the US Naval Academy defended their use of race in admissions, citing the importance of a diverse officer corps for national security.
Judge Bennett, appointed by former President George W Bush, found that the consideration of race in admissions at the Naval Academy was narrowly tailored to meet the goal of a diverse officer corps. Students for Fair Admissions expressed disappointment with the decision and announced plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.
The ruling sets the stage for another potential battle over race considerations in university admissions before the US Supreme Court, highlighting the ongoing debate over the role of race in creating a diverse and inclusive academic environment.
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