The Supreme Court's decision to restrict the use of race in college admissions has garnered widespread approval from Republican presidential hopefuls. The 6-3 ruling, declared on Thursday, deems race-based admissions policies as unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause, effectively overturning decades of affirmative action practices employed by higher education institutions.
Nikki Haley, former South Carolina governor and U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, celebrated the decision as a victory for freedom and opportunity, emphasizing that selecting students based on race is inherently unjust. She believes this ruling will create a more level playing field for all students striving for the American Dream.
Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina echoed Haley's sentiments, viewing the ruling as a positive step towards a society where individuals are evaluated based on their character and abilities, rather than their skin color. He also questioned the notion that attending prestigious universities guarantees success, highlighting the importance of character, determination, and talent.
Vivek Ramaswamy, a businessman and conservative commentator, criticized affirmative action as "institutional racism," asserting that meritocracy and equity are mutually exclusive. He anticipates that the ruling, while a move in the right direction, may lead to universities and companies employing indirect methods to achieve racial balance.
Will Hurd, a former CIA officer and Texas representative, emphasized the broader issue of educational inequality, particularly among Black and brown students. He stressed the need for adequate support from state and federal governments to address this challenge.
Larry Elder, a former California gubernatorial candidate, applauded the ruling, arguing that affirmative action is discriminatory and counterproductive. He advocated for focusing on improving K-12 public education, especially in urban areas, rather than relying on affirmative action.
Former President Donald Trump hailed the decision as a triumph for merit-based selection, believing it will benefit the nation by recognizing exceptional individuals. He views this as a return to a system where merit is the primary criterion for advancement.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis affirmed that college admissions should be based on merit, not race or ethnicity, aligning with the Supreme Court's decision to end discriminatory practices. The DeSantis campaign also highlighted a past interview where Trump expressed support for affirmative action.
Former Vice President Mike Pence praised the ruling as an end to a violation of civil and constitutional rights, emphasizing the importance of appointing judges who uphold the law objectively. He highlighted his role in appointing justices who contributed to this decision.
