Additional Coverage:
- Black enrollment at Harvard Law tanks by more than half after affirmative action ruling (foxnews.com)
Supreme Court Ruling Impacts Black Enrollment at Harvard Law
Following the Supreme Court’s decision against race-based admissions, Harvard Law has seen a sharp decline in Black student enrollment. Last year’s first-year class had 43 Black students, while this year’s has only 19, marking the lowest enrollment since the 1960s.
Harvard Law’s spokesperson emphasized their commitment to diversity but acknowledged the potential impact of the ruling. Some faculty, however, believe the decline is a “chilling effect” caused by the decision.
The ruling has also affected Hispanic enrollment, which dropped from 63 students to 39, while enrollment of white and Asian students has increased. However, one critic of affirmative action argues that overall Black enrollment in law schools has actually increased.
The drop in Black enrollment at Harvard Law has raised concerns among students and faculty. The president of the Harvard Black Law Students Association called it a “crushing loss.” While some believe the decline may ultimately benefit Black students by allowing them to attend better-matched schools, others worry about the long-term impact on diversity and inclusion in the legal profession.