Affirmative action ruling may obstruct US territories’ college applicants from renowned universities

On June 29, the Supreme Court unraveled the half-century precedent governing race-based college admissions. Affirmative action, a series of measures introduced by John F. Kennedy to eliminate discrimination, was effectively gutted. Edward Blum’s slew of challenges to the program toppled its non-discriminatory principles before the court’s conservative cast. 

Indeed, droves of minorities, lacking the institutional resources and support to compete with their American counterparts, may no longer be recognized for the strain of their situation. The democratization of college admissions, an egalitarian beacon of American ingenuity and success, collapsed in principle.

However, loopholes–such as diversity reflected within essays–may be used by college admission officers as an avenue to bypass race-blind admissions. An individual’s character, undoubtedly influenced by heritage and background, can be used to introduce a number of vibrant incoming students.

The United States’ territories are uniquely positioned in the college admissions process. Many inhabitants may benefit from race-based admissions as universities join incoming classes reflective of the entire American experience—an experience spanning beyond the mere 50 states. Moreover, aspiring college students from the territories, in large part, lack the resources required for competitive applications. As admission rates dwindle into low single digits across America’s preeminent schools, it becomes increasingly difficult for these students to have competitive equity. 

The recent affirmative action decision compounds these challenges, as the sole source of federal support for territorial students withered shortly after. How will America uplift a new generation of leaders sprouting from the US territories?

The United States government must encourage change in the territories through these young leaders. A program that guarantees their occupancy in premier universities will spark reform, as they will be equipped with the tools to change a dire political landscape. The territories must be entitled to the bountiful fruits of American academia, as it will not only impart knowledge but alter their trajectory for multiple generations.