Harvard legacy admissions challenged after affirmative action ruling by Supreme Court

WASHINGTON — A civil rights group is challenging legacy admissions at Harvard University, saying the practice discriminates againstThe practice of giving priority to the children of alumni has faced growing pushback in the wake of last week’sending affirmative action in higher education. The NAACP added its weight behind the effort on Monday, asking more than 1,500 colleges and universities to even the playing field in admissions, including by ending legacy admissions.

Opponents say the practice is no longer defensible without affirmative action providing a counterbalance. The court’s ruling says colleges must ignore the race of applicants, activists point out, but schools can still give a boost to the children of alumni and donors. The complaint alleges that Harvard’s legacy preference has nothing to do with merit and takes away slots from qualified students of color. It asks the U.S. Education Department to declare the practice illegal and force Harvard to abandon it as long as the university receives federal funding.

“It is our hope that our nation’s institutions will stand with us in embracing diversity, no matter what,” said Derrick Johnson president and CEO of the NAACP. “Regardless, the NAACP will continue to advocate, litigate and mobilize to ensure that every Black American has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.”

Several Democrats in Congress demanded an end to the policy in light of the court’s decision, along with Republicans including Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, who is vying for the GOP presidential nomination.

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