Two Harvard students with differing views on affirmative action recently engaged in a constructive dialogue about creating a more equitable college application process, regardless of the Supreme Court's upcoming decision on race-based admissions.
Second-year student Joseph Hernandez, a supporter of affirmative action, and third-year student Alma Conway, who opposes it, found common ground in the belief that a fairer system is needed. Both agreed that considering an applicant's financial background should play a role in admissions decisions.
Conway believes that eliminating race as a factor in admissions is a positive step, while Hernandez maintains that race plays a significant role in opportunities and should be considered. The students' discussion comes as the Supreme Court prepares to rule on two pivotal affirmative action cases, one involving Harvard and the other the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. Students for Fair Admissions, the group behind both lawsuits, alleges discriminatory practices against Asian American applicants at Harvard and undue preference for Black, Hispanic, and Native American applicants at UNC.
While acknowledging the potential for initial protests, Conway expressed optimism that removing race from admissions would ultimately lead to a more equitable system. Hernandez, conversely, argued that socioeconomic status alone is not a sufficient substitute for considering race, emphasizing the need to address systemic disadvantages faced by both low-income students and students of color. Both students agreed on the importance of a holistic review process, considering factors beyond academics, such as extracurriculars, leadership experience, and prior employment.
Despite their differing stances on affirmative action, Hernandez and Conway emphasized the importance of civil discourse and finding common ground in the shared goal of fair admissions. They recognized the good intentions on both sides of the debate, acknowledging the desire for previously underrepresented communities to thrive and the importance of merit-based selection.
