STUDENTS FOR FAIR ADMISSIONS, INC. v. HARVARD COLLEGE and UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA - Case Syllabus and Opinions (October Term, 2022)

Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College

Syllabus Overview

The Supreme Court of the United States heard two cases, Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College (No. 20-1199) and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina et al. (No. 21-707), which were argued on October 31, 2022, and decided on June 29, 2023. These cases challenged the admissions systems of Harvard College and the University of North Carolina (UNC), two of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. Both universities employ highly selective admissions processes, where admission can depend on various factors including grades, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and race. The central question was whether these race-conscious admissions systems are lawful under the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Harvard College Admissions Process

Harvard College's admission process is multi-layered and highly selective. Annually, tens of thousands apply, with significantly fewer admitted. The process involves several stages where race is considered:

• First Reader Screening: Each application is initially reviewed by a