Washington — A federal district court on Friday upheld the U.S. Naval Academy's race-conscious admissions policies, rejecting a challenge brought by the group Students for Fair Admissions following the Supreme Court's landmark decision. ending affirmative action In higher education.
U.S. Senior District Judge Richard Bennett wrote in a 179-page decision that the Naval Academy “established a compelling national security interest in a diverse officer corps” for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, and that the use of race in admissions was “unreasonable.” added up. An officer corps that represents the country it protects and the people it leads.”
Bennett said he deferred to the executive branch regarding military personnel decisions.
The challenge to the Naval Academy's admissions policies was brought by Students for Fair Admissions in October 2023, months after the Supreme Court ruled that race-conscious admissions policies used by colleges and universities were unconstitutional. The group was behind the cases that led the High Court to reject affirmative action in higher education in June 2023.
The lawsuit from Students for Fair Admissions came in response to a footnote in the majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts, which stated the decision not implemented To serve the nation academies.
In addition to suing the Naval Academy, students also West Point sued On behalf of two of its members who are applying to the Academy.
This is a developing story.