Lawsuit Targets West Point Over Racial Criteria in Admissions Following Significant Supreme Court Decision

A federal lawsuit was filed against West Point on Tuesday, alleging that the U.S. Military Academy improperly considers race and ethnicity in its admissions process. The lawsuit comes from Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), the organization also responsible for the legal action that led to the U.S. Supreme Court dismantling affirmative action in college admissions.

The complaint, filed in the Southern District of New York, argues that West Point is in violation of the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which encompasses an equal protection clause applicable to federal entities. According to the lawsuit, rather than selecting cadets based on merit and leadership abilities, the academy places undue emphasis on racial criteria. The suit further contends that the academy has made public its racial composition “objectives,” and its admissions director has openly stated that race is a decisive factor for a significant number of applicants.

In response, the academy issued a formal statement, saying it would not offer public comment on active legal proceedings to safeguard the integrity of the outcomes for all parties concerned.

This lawsuit follows a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in June, which invalidated affirmative action policies in college admissions. The ruling had a significant impact on Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, two of the oldest educational institutions in the private and public sectors respectively. However, the decision did not specifically address military academies like West Point.

Edward Blum, President of SFFA, stated that in light of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, military higher education institutions must also cease their race-based admissions policies. He emphasized that while courts have often extended special consideration to the unique role of the military in American society, such deference should not extend to justifying racial preferences or classifications in admissions to service academies like West Point.

According to the lawsuit, West Point is responsible for commissioning approximately 17% of new Army officers each year. In recent times, the academy has taken measures to diversify its student body, including enhanced recruitment efforts in major cities such as New York City, Atlanta, and Detroit. The academy’s latest incoming class, which is situated north of New York City, had a minority enrollment of around 38%.

Additionally, West Point has followed recommendations from a congressional commission to remove honors dedicated to Robert E. Lee and other Confederate leaders as a step towards addressing racial inequality. Nevertheless, some alumni of color from West Point and other military academies have reported encountering adverse atmospheres.

The federal lawsuit also names the Department of Defense, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, and other officials as defendants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about West Point lawsuit

More about West Point lawsuit

• U.S. Supreme Court’s Landmark Decision on Affirmative Action
• Students for Fair Admissions Official Website
• Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution
• West Point Official Statement on Diversity Initiatives
• Department of Defense Official Website
• Profile of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin
• Congressional Commission on Military Diversity
• Overview of Affirmative Action in the United States