Discrimination Against Minorities

In 2014, Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) sued Harvard University, alleging that Harvard was violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by, among other things, discriminating against Asian Americans in the admissions process. In its recent motion for summary judgment, SFFA presented statistical evidence that Harvard discriminates both in subjective scoring and selection for admission to limit the number of Asian Americans that attend the college. Harvard’s filing denies all of these claims, stating that the statistical model put forth by SFFA is deeply flawed. They argue that the model ignores essential factors, such as personal essays and teacher recommendations, and omits large sections of the applicant pool, such as recruited athletes and legacy applicants. Harvard explains in their rebuttal that once all relevant information is included, there is no evidence of discrimination. The trial began on October 15th in Boston’s Federal District Court. Harvard officials, as well as past and present students, have testified in support of Harvard. This panel will examine the implications of the case, which many believe is destined for the Supreme Court. The resulting decision will set the precedent for college admission processes nationwide and could transform the nation’s higher education landscape. Prof. Andrew Koppelman, John Paul Stevens Professor of Law, Northwestern University School of Law Dr. Althea Nagai, Research Fellow, Center for Equal Opportunity Mr. Patrick Strawbridge, Partner, Consovoy McCarthy Park PLLC Prof. John Yoo, Professor of Law, University of California, Berkeley Moderator: Hon. James C. Ho, United States Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit