How the US Supreme Court’s Affirmative Action ruling might affect HBCUs

By Marybeth Gasman

The Supreme Court handed down a decision on Thursday rejecting the use of race in college admissions. Although the majority of commentary has focused on the impact of the decision on Black and Brown students applying to historically white, highly selective institutions, the ruling could have an impact on the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as well. How you might ask?

First, African American students who were planning to apply to highly selective colleges and universities, such as Harvard University, may decide to add more HBCUs to the mix of institutions to which they apply given the uncertain impact of the High Court’s “race neutral” ruling.

Second, if highly selective colleges and universities are benign in their reaction to the Supreme Court’s decision, African American students will certainly take notice and may not feel wanted – resulting in fewer applications to these institutions and perhaps more to HBCUs. Of course, more applications to HBCUs will result in higher enrollments and a need for additional state (if applicable) and federal financial resources to support these students.

Third, seeing the High Court’s declaration, HBCU leaders will more than likely speak to it, noting their disappointment but also stressing that African American students are wanted and valued at their institutions – further touting the quality of education and sense of belonging that HBCUs offer. Harry L. Williams, president of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, an organization that supports public HBCUs, stated, “As the largest organization exclusively supporting the Black College Community, we invite allies to join us in our ambitious mission to create a more equitable society.”