Affirmative Action, The Supreme Court, and The Call to Action for Minority Communities: A Minority American Perspective

Affirmative action has long been a beacon of hope, guiding countless minority students towards opportunities that seemed out of reach. As a Minority American scholar, I can attest to the transformative power of these policies. But the recent Supreme Court decision to undermine affirmative action is more than just a legal ruling—it threatens to reinstate the barriers that many of us have spent our lives trying to overcome.

In the past, discriminatory practices such as racially biased standardized tests, segregation in education, and biased admission processes have systemically disadvantaged minority communities, particularly Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans. These practices contributed to a lack of representation in higher education that has left lasting imprints on our society. Affirmative action was designed to counter these effects, not as a favor, but as an attempt to level the playing field. According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, since the implementation of affirmative action, minority enrollment in colleges has increased dramatically. In 1976, African American students made up 9.4% of total enrollments, a figure that had increased to 14.1% by 2018. Similarly, Hispanic enrollment grew from 3.8% to 18.9% in the same period.

The Supreme Court, unfortunately, does not always reflect the diversity of the country it serves. Of the 115 Supreme Court justices in U.S. history until present day in 2023, only 6 have been racial or ethnic minorities: Thurgood Marshall, Clarence Thomas, Sonia Sotomayor, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ketanji Jackson, and Amy Coney Barrett. And yet, this is the body that holds the power to shape policies that affect every single one of us. The recent ruling to dismantle affirmative action appears to be less of a reflection of the country’s diverse needs and more an echo of evangelical ideologies that have historically marginalized communities of color.

To navigate this challenge, we must act as a united front. It's time to reclaim our narratives, to remind the powers that be of the rich tapestry of cultures, experiences, and aspirations that our country represents.

1. Legal Advocacy: Engage in legal battles, pushing for the review and reversal of such rulings. Collaborate with experienced legal advocates who can effectively represent the interests of underrepresented communities.
2. Alternative Strategies for Diversity: Explore other strategies that maintain diversity in higher education. Admissions policies focusing on socioeconomic status, first-generation college students, or students from underfunded high schools can ensure a diverse student body.
3. Mobilizing Public Opinion: Use the power of public opinion to maintain pressure on institutions to uphold diversity. Grassroots campaigns, peaceful protests, social media movements, and op-eds can be effective.
4. Education Reform: Advocate for reforms in K-12 education that ensure every student, irrespective of their background, has access to quality education and opportunities.
5. Political Engagement: Engage with political representatives. Encourage them to enact state laws that can protect diversity in education.

The Supreme Court's ruling presents a formidable challenge to the fight for diversity and representation. However, it also provides an opportunity—a call to action for us to demand change and reassert our place in the narrative. We are not spectators; we are participants in the unfolding history of this country. Through collective action, we can shape our future, a future where our educational institutions reflect the diversity of our nation. Let us rise to this challenge. Together, we can surmount these barriers and build an inclusive, equitable society.