Harvard University has reported a significant drop in Black students among its incoming freshman class, reflecting the impact of the recent Supreme Court decision that eliminated race-based admissions policies. According to the university’s latest figures, Black representation in the Class of 2028 has decreased from 18% to 14%.
The Supreme Court’s ruling last year barred colleges from considering race in admissions decisions, leading to concerns that such a move would diminish minority enrollment. While some elite institutions like Yale and Princeton experienced minimal changes, others, including MIT and Brown University, reported sharper declines in minority student numbers.
In response, Harvard has ramped up its recruitment efforts, sending staff to over 150 cities and joining a consortium to boost awareness in underrepresented areas. Despite these efforts, the shift in admissions policy has already had a noticeable effect on the diversity of the incoming class. Harvard’s commitment to diversity remains steadfast, as highlighted by Hopi Hoekstra, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, who emphasized the university’s ongoing dedication to overcoming barriers and promoting inclusivity in light of the new legal constraints.
