This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
The Supreme Court held that Harvard University's race‑based admissions program violates the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
The Court also held that the University of North Carolina’s race‑based admissions program is unconstitutional for the same reason.
The majority said that race may never be used as a negative factor or as a stereotype in admissions.
Background and question before the Court
Harvard’s admissions process begins with a “first reader” who assigns numerical scores in six categories, and the overall rating may consider an applicant’s race.
What each side argues
Students for Fair Admissions (Petitioner)
According to Mr. Norris, the petitioner argues that a race‑neutral alternative based on socioeconomic status would increase Asian, Hispanic, and Black enrollment.
Harvard (Respondent)
Harvard says race is not a negative factor because it does not affect many admissions decisions.
According to Harvard, harvard reviews its admissions program regularly to determine whether it remains necessary.
University of North Carolina (Respondent)
According to University of North Carolina, uNC frames its admissions challenge as increasing enrollment of underrepresented minorities.
United States (Amicus)
According to American Bar Association, amici state that race‑conscious admissions are critical for providing equitable public services and a diverse legal profession.
What happened at oral argument
According to Justice Gorsuch, justice Gorsuch inquired about the extent to which the Court should defer to a university’s compelling interest in diversity.
What the Court decided
The majority held that Harvard’s admissions program must be invalidated under the Equal Protection Clause.
The Court also held that UNC’s admissions program cannot be reconciled with the guarantees of the Equal Protection Clause.
The majority emphasized that race may never be used as a negative factor or as a stereotype.
Why it matters
The ruling requires Harvard and UNC to change their admissions processes, eliminating the use of race as a factor.
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 7d398a014e5e014ab5e6-r1-47499ebb14052931.pdforal argument transcript
- d1f6ca324955b8956ee2-r1-4beb59d5910b7177.pdfopinion
Guide generated September 29, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.