Title: Civil Rights Complaint Filed Against Harvard Over Admissions Preferences
Date: July 3, 2023
In a move that could potentially challenge longstanding admissions practices, three Black and Latinx groups have filed a civil rights complaint against Harvard University. The complaint alleges that the Ivy League institution’s consideration of legacy and donor preferences in its admissions process violates the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Lawyers for Civil Rights, the organization representing the groups, filed the 31-page complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. They argue that Harvard’s use of legacy preferences results in the enrollment of predominantly white students, thereby excluding non-white applicants.
Harvard, as a recipient of federal funds, is obligated to adhere to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin in federally-funded programs.
This complaint comes days after the Supreme Court ruled that Harvard and the University of North Carolina had violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by considering race in their admissions policies. In response to the Court’s decision, Harvard reaffirmed its commitment to a diverse and inclusive campus community.
The Chica Project, the African Community Economic Development of New England, and The Greater Boston Latino Network are the groups represented in the complaint. Its six requests to the Department of Education include an investigation into Harvard’s admissions policies, a declaration that legacy preferences violate Title VI, and a cease to consider legacy and donor preferences if Harvard desires to maintain federal funding.
Additionally, the complaint calls for the elimination of any indication of a relationship to a family member or donor during the admissions process and asks for any other relief that the Department finds appropriate. It reveals that up to 15% of Harvard’s admitted students benefit from legacy and donor preferences.
Harvard spokesperson, Nicole G. Rura, has not yet responded to requests for comment on the civil rights complaint.
Legacy admissions have faced scrutiny and criticism from both federal and state officials. Recent legislative proposals aimed to ban legacy preferences at Harvard and other institutions. The Supreme Court Justices, as well as President Joe Biden, have expressed concerns about the fairness of legacy preferences.
Although some elite institutions have already eliminated legacy preferences, Harvard’s Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid, William R. Fitzsimmons ’67, has previously defended their use as a means to maintain relationships with donors and alumni.
The civil rights complaint argues that Harvard’s claims regarding the necessity of legacy preferences are unfounded. It contends that eliminating such preferences would not deter individuals from applying to or supporting the university.
The filing specifically addresses the impact of the recent Supreme Court ruling on diversity initiatives. It argues that Harvard should be prohibited from granting significant preferences to white applicants through legacy and donor preferences, as it undermines efforts to promote diversity and equity.
The outcome of this civil rights complaint has the potential to reshape admissions practices not only at Harvard but at institutions across the country. As the Department of Education investigates the allegations, the debate over legacy preferences and their impact on equal opportunity and diversity in higher education continues.
Contact:
Michelle N. Amponsah
[email protected]
Twitter: @mnamponsah
Rahem D. Hamid
[email protected]