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Updated 11:45 AM
CAMBRIDGE, Mass (WBZ NewsRadio) — The U.S. Supreme Court has decided to hear a case against Harvard University over its race-based admissions policies. The case, brought by a group called Students for Fair Admissions, argues that Harvard is penalizing Asian-Americans with its affirmative action program.
Lower federal courts have ruled in favor of Harvard, citing years of court precedent.
The group argues that Harvard is violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act by imposing a racial "penalty" on Asian-American applicants, with problematic admissions processes dating back to the 1990s.
Harvard responded in a legal brief that it that it does not engage in "racial balancing," doesn't have workable admissions alternatives that ignore race, and denied that it discriminates against Asian-American applicants. Another case, also brought by the same group against the University of North Carolina, will be combined with this case.
The case is likely to be heard next autumn.
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