Group that won Harvard case sues US Naval Academy over race-based admissions.
Affirmative Action Lawsuit Filed Against US Naval Academy Over Race-Based Admissions
A prominent legal group, Students for Fair Admissions (SFA), has taken legal action against the US Naval Academy, accusing it of considering an applicant’s race in its admissions decisions. This lawsuit comes after SFA successfully challenged affirmative action policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, arguing that such practices violated civil rights laws by favoring minorities.
While the Supreme Court ruling did not extend to military academies, SFA contends that the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, has no valid reason to use race-based admissions since it has been deemed unconstitutional elsewhere. In their lawsuit, SFA emphasizes that the race of commanding officers does not affect how America’s enemies fight, and sailors must follow orders regardless of skin color.
Although the Supreme Court exempted service academies from its decision due to potential national security concerns, SFA’s lawsuit will challenge the Naval Academy’s exception, compelling it to justify its use of race in admissions.
SFA has also filed a similar lawsuit against the US Military Academy at West Point, further asserting that the Naval Academy’s practices violate the Fifth Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law. The defendants in the case include the Department of Defense, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro, Naval Academy dean of admissions Bruce Latta, and Naval Academy superintendent retired Rear Adm. Fred Kacher.
With an admission rate of less than 10 percent, the Naval Academy claims to evaluate applicants holistically, considering various criteria, including race. In 2020, the Navy even called for de-emphasizing standardized testing to improve minority representation. However, Vice Adm. Sean Buck, the former Naval Academy superintendent, denied any race-based composition goals at the academy.
The Naval Academy has chosen not to comment on the lawsuit, citing its policy against discussing ongoing litigation.
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The post Students’ Group That Won SCOTUS Case Against Harvard Files Suit Against US Naval Academy Over Race-Based Admissions appeared first on The Western Journal.
Can diversity be achieved in the admissions process of the Naval Academy through factors other than race, such as socioeconomic status or geographic diversity
Justify its use of race-based admissions. SFA argues that the inclusion of race in the admissions process contradicts the principles of meritocracy and equal opportunity that the United States military upholds.
The lawsuit alleges that race-based admissions policies at the Naval Academy violate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits racial discrimination in federally funded institutions. SFA contends that the academy’s admissions process, which considers an applicant’s race as a factor, fails to meet the requirements of this legislation.
Moreover, SFA asserts that the use of race as a factor in admissions decisions is unnecessary and unconstitutional. They argue that the Naval Academy should evaluate applicants based solely on their qualifications, character, and potential to serve the country effectively. According to SFA, considering an applicant’s race in admissions decisions undermines the principle of equal opportunity and perpetuates a system in which individuals are judged based on their racial or ethnic background rather than their merit.
SFA also challenges the notion that diversity can only be achieved through race-based admissions. They argue that diversity can be achieved in other ways, such as through socioeconomic factors, geographic diversity, or by recruiting individuals from underrepresented communities. SFA emphasizes that true diversity should be based on a variety of attributes and experiences, not just race.
It is worth noting that the United States has a long history of striving for diversity and equal opportunity in its military. The military has made significant strides in promoting equality and inclusivity, allowing individuals from all walks of life to serve their country. SFA’s lawsuit against the Naval Academy reflects the ongoing debate over the role of race in admissions processes and raises important questions about the principles on which the military academies should operate.
If successful, this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the admissions processes of other military academies and institutions across the country. It may prompt a reexamination of the use of race as a factor in admissions decisions and a reevaluation of the principles upon which admissions practices are based.
Ultimately, this lawsuit raises important questions about the role of affirmative action in the admissions processes of military institutions. It invites a broader discussion about how the military can continue to promote diversity and equal opportunity while ensuring that admissions decisions are based on merit and the potential to serve the nation effectively. Whether or not SFA’s lawsuit is successful, it highlights the complexities and ongoing challenges associated with affirmative action policies in the United States.
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