School choice could be a positive step forward after affirmative action.
America’s Elite Universities and the Future of Admissions
For years, America’s most elite universities have prioritized diversity and inclusion in their admissions process. Cornell University, with its commitment to core values, has long embraced the concept of admitting students from different backgrounds. As founder Ezra Cornell stated, the institution was created to provide instruction to any person, regardless of race. Affirmative action policies have been employed by Ivy League schools and other elite universities to increase the representation of black and Hispanic students. Racial diversity is not just a token gesture; it is an integral part of these institutions’ identities.
However, the recent Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in higher education has deemed race-based admissions policies unconstitutional. This means that Cornell and other elite universities will have to reevaluate their current practices. Yet, it is unlikely that they will abandon their pursuit of diversity. So, how do they move forward?
The End of Affirmative Action: A Positive Step
The end of affirmative action in admissions is a positive development for our country. It puts an end to discrimination against Asian students and the practice of lowering standards based on race. This practice not only perpetuates discrimination but also sets up black and Hispanic students for failure if they come from underprivileged educational backgrounds. However, it is crucial to ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, have equal opportunities to succeed. Cultivating a highly talented student body from diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences should remain a priority for universities. The question is, how do we achieve this?
Supporting School Choice: A Path to Diversity
In a recent opinion piece for The New York Times, Harvard professor Roland Fryer highlighted the lack of intervention by elite universities in the critical K-12 years of minority students. He argues that these universities should invest in middle and high schools that prepare disadvantaged students for college. By supporting existing schools and expanding school choice, elite universities can change the futures of thousands of minority students.
Currently, 32 states and Washington, D.C. have some form of school choice program, allowing families to access education options they may not otherwise afford. However, the availability and effectiveness of these programs vary across states. To truly transform the lives of minority students, state and local governments must be encouraged to expand school choice initiatives.
There are already numerous unique schools, such as low-cost private schools in New York City, that cater to low-income students and prepare them for elite colleges. By funding scholarships and supporting these schools, elite universities can make a significant impact. Organizations like Black Minds Matter have compiled directories of schools founded by African Americans, demonstrating the potential of school choice to empower education entrepreneurs and provide high-quality education to disadvantaged students.
If Cornell and other elite universities truly want to increase the representation of black and Hispanic students, they should embrace school choice. They can partner with existing schools and allocate parts of their endowment to provide scholarships. By doing so, Cornell University could lead the way in nationwide change.
Emmie Lo is a writer and Latin teacher currently living in Jacksonville, Florida. You can read her personal blog at blindgirldreaming.blogspot.com and follow her on Twitter at
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
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