The Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the use of racial preferences in college admissions has ignited a conversation about the future of workplace diversity and the impact on racial minorities in top-quality jobs. However, the elimination of race-based admissions may actually have positive effects, particularly in the fields of science and technology. The “mismatch” problems caused by admitting students with lower test scores and less rigorous educational backgrounds can hinder their ability to succeed in college. The termination of race-based admissions will prompt a reassessment of the fate of underprepared students entering prestigious courses. One potential solution, especially for STEM majors, is to choose schools that do not consider race during the application process, such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
California’s Proposition 209, which banned the consideration of race in admissions to public universities, resulted in an overall improvement in graduation rates among black and Hispanic students within the University of California system. A UCLA law professor discovered that after the ban, there was a significant increase in the number of black and Hispanic freshmen graduating in four years, as well as an increase in STEM degrees earned by these students. The explanation for this can be attributed to the challenges posed by math and science classes, where objective standards and less grade inflation make it harder for students who do not have comparable preparation. Unfortunately, schools predominantly serving black students often lack advanced math and science courses, limiting their opportunities to develop necessary skills.
Research conducted at the University of Texas at Austin and Florida International University reveals that black, white, and Hispanic students declare STEM majors at similar rates. However, white students are more likely to earn STEM degrees compared to Hispanic and black students. Many black students either change their majors to social sciences or humanities or drop out of college altogether, which is detrimental to their future prospects. The success of HBCUs demonstrates that the answer to the STEM pipeline issue lies in schools that do not employ racial preferences. HBCUs have consistently produced a disproportionate number of black STEM graduates.
It is worth noting that only a small percentage of black undergraduate students attend HBCUs, yet they account for a significant proportion of black STEM bachelor’s degrees awarded nationwide. Despite concerns about graduation rates at elite schools, research suggests that even students who graduate from less prestigious institutions with STEM degrees fare well in the job market. A Wall Street Journal study found that for STEM majors, the prestige of the school does not significantly impact future earnings expectations. Consequently, the end of race-based affirmative action in college admissions may increase the number of black graduates in STEM fields while potentially decreasing the number of graduates in other disciplines.
In summary, the Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate the use of racial preferences in college admissions may have positive implications for workplace diversity and the pipeline of racial minorities into top-quality jobs. Admitting students based on merit rather than race can lead to increased success in STEM fields, especially when supported by institutions like HBCUs. The focus should be on providing equal educational opportunities and preparation to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, can thrive in rigorous academic environments.
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