Special report proposes strategies for preserving diversity in medicine after reshaped affirmative action policies

Affirmative action—a crack in the door to higher education

2025-01-27

(Press-News.org) Background and Goal: In 2023, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) struck down race-conscious admissions in higher education, reshaping affirmative action policies. This special report examines the ruling’s wide-reaching effects, particularly on underrepresented minority (URM) students, and proposes strategies for preserving diversity in higher education and professional fields, including medicine.

Key Insights: Institutions such as MIT and Amherst College have reported significant declines in Black and Latino student enrollment. In medical school admissions, the lack of standardized guidelines for evaluating applicants’ experiences tied to race risks further marginalizing students who are Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). To address these challenges, institutions must innovate and engage at all levels, including expanding STEM enrichment programs, strengthening K-16 recruitment efforts, and maintaining holistic admissions processes. Admissions committees must receive robust training to ensure objective evaluations of applicants’ lived experiences.

Why It Matters: A diverse higher education and health care workforce is critical for achieving equity and improving societal outcomes. Research consistently shows that diverse medical teams lead to better patient care, stronger clinician-patient relationships, and reduced health disparities.

Affirmative Action—A Crack in the Door to Higher Education

Billy Thomas, MD, MPH

Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas

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Special report proposes strategies for preserving diversity in medicine after reshaped affirmative action policies

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