In a dramatic turn of events, a fervent opponent of affirmative action has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the U.S. Military Academy at West Point from considering race in its admissions process. The request, submitted by the group Students for Fair Admissions, comes as a contentious dispute over the practice unfolds in lower courts.
West Point, renowned for grooming cadets for service in the U.S. Army, finds itself at the center of this legal storm. The group argues that the academy’s application deadline for the class of 2028, set for January 31, necessitates swift action from the Supreme Court on their plea for an injunction.
Students for Fair Admissions, previously successful in challenging race-conscious collegiate admissions policies with cases involving Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, deems the use of race in West Point’s admissions process as contradictory to the principles of military institutions and mission.
Edward Blum, the president of the advocacy group, expressed his hope that the Supreme Court will prohibit West Point from employing racial classifications and preferences in their admissions process. This move follows the group’s earlier setback when a federal judge rejected their request for a preliminary injunction on January 3, prompting an appeal to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
The legal challenge, filed last September, argues on behalf of two Students for Fair Admissions members who, despite being fully qualified, face alleged discrimination due to their race. The lawsuit contends that West Point’s admissions practices violate the equal protection principle enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.
Chief Justice John Roberts, in a notable footnote, previously acknowledged the potential distinct interests surrounding the issue of race in admissions at military academies when the Supreme Court invalidated admissions policies at Harvard and UNC. However, this matter remains unaddressed, prompting this latest legal battle.
The Biden administration, defending the race-conscious admissions policies used by U.S. military academies, underscores the importance of diversity in senior military leadership to avoid creating distrust within the armed forces. The Justice Department cited statistics revealing disparities in the representation of minority officers, emphasizing the need for affirmative action to address the imbalance.
As the legal saga unfolds, the nation watches with bated breath, awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision on whether West Point’s admissions policies will undergo a seismic shift. The outcome holds significant implications not only for the academy but also for the broader discourse surrounding affirmative action in military institutions.
