Chinese for Affirmative Action applauds yesterday’s U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit decision that allows Harvard College to continue to consider race as one of many factors in its admissions criteria. 

With its ruling in the SFFA v. Harvard case, the First Circuit upholds lower court rulings that have affirmed the practice of holistic admissions and the importance of diversity in education.  When universities can take into account the unique barriers and experiences that applicants of color face, students can present their full and complete story, including what they have overcome in seeking higher education opportunities. 

In a year when thousands of anti-Asian hate incidents have taken place, it is evident that the Chinese community in the U.S. continues to face racism and xenophobia.  Rather than acknowledge that race shapes the pathway that students of color including Asian Americans have to higher education, opponents of affirmative action led by right-wing conservatives continue to pit communities of color against one another. 

Holistic admissions policies, such as those practiced by Harvard, benefit all students by leading to more diverse learning environments that foster greater understanding and better preparation for a multi-racial society.  CAA remains steadfast in support of affirmative action policies in all sectors of society including political representation, media representation, civic participation, employment and workplace diversity, and educational equity work from pre-K to post-secondary education.