60 Years of Affirmative Action in U.S. College Admissions: Its History, End, and What It Means for Korean American Students

1. Introduction

In late March 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into four California universities—Stanford, UCLA, UC Berkeley, and UC Irvine—to determine whether they have effectively complied with the Supreme Court’s ruling that struck down the use of race-based affirmative action in college admissions.

This development brings renewed attention to the long and complex history of affirmative action—a policy that, for nearly six decades, aimed to expand opportunities for historically marginalized communities in both education and employment by promoting diversity and equity.

However, following the landmark Supreme Court decision in 2023, race-conscious admissions have effectively come to an end. In this post, I’d like to provide a clear overview of the history of affirmative action, the recent legal changes, and most importantly, what all of this means for Korean American students and families preparing for college in the United States.

We’ll explore the following topics:

• The historical background of affirmative action
• How it has been applied in college admissions
• The long-standing debates and legal developments surrounding it
• The implications of the 2023 Supreme Court decision
• Strategic takeaways for Korean American students

2. The Origins of Affirmative Action

2.1. Legal and Political Beginnings

Affirmative action was formally introduced in 1961 when President John F. Kennedy signed Executive Order 10925, requiring government contractors to “take affirmative action” to ensure fair employment practices regardless of race, creed, color, or national origin.

This was a significant move toward dismantling systemic discrimination, and the policy was later expanded by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1965 through additional executive orders mandating anti-discrimination practices across all federal agencies and contractors.

2.2. The Civil Rights Movement and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

During the civil rights era, affirmative action was primarily designed to benefit African Americans. However, it gradually expanded to include Native Americans, Hispanics, and women.

The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 intensified the national demand for racial equity. As a result, universities began to adopt more proactive diversity initiatives.

2.3. The Shift to College Admissions

In the wake of Dr. King’s assassination, Harvard University announced plans to significantly increase Black student enrollment. The number of Black freshmen at Harvard rose by 76% between 1968 and 1969. Other prestigious institutions such as Yale, Princeton, and Columbia soon followed suit.

According to the New York Times and The Guardian, the percentage of Black students at U.S. colleges, which was below 5% in 1965, had doubled by 2001.

3. The Purpose and Role of Affirmative Action

3.1. Addressing Historical Injustice

For generations, systemic discrimination through slavery, segregation, and exclusion from public spaces denied minorities equitable access to education and employment. Affirmative action was a response to this injustice—a corrective measure intended to level the playing field.

3.2. Promoting Diversity

As a multicultural society, the United States has long emphasized the value of racial and cultural diversity in schools and workplaces. By considering race as one factor among many in admissions, universities aimed to create diverse academic environments that reflect the broader society.

4. Controversy and Legal Evolution

4.1. The “Reverse Discrimination” Debate

From the beginning, critics argued that affirmative action amounted to “reverse discrimination.” In particular, race-based quotas sparked concerns that some students were being admitted based on race rather than merit.

In 1978, the Supreme Court ruled in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke that racial quotas were unconstitutional but allowed race to be considered as one of several admissions factors.

4.2. Key Legal Cases

• 1978: Bakke case — quotas ruled unconstitutional; limited race consideration upheld
• 2003: Grutter v. Bollinger — automatic point-based preferences for minorities were struck down, but diversity as a goal remained a valid rationale for race-conscious admissions

4.3. State-Level Bans and Their Impact

Several states, including California, Arizona, and Florida, banned affirmative action in public university admissions. This led to immediate declines in enrollment of Black and Hispanic students.

At UCLA, for example, Black student enrollment dropped from 7% to 1.9% after California’s ban went into effect.

4.4. The 2023 Supreme Court Ruling: A Turning Point

On June 29, 2023, the Supreme Court ruled against Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, declaring that race-conscious admissions violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

This decision effectively ended the use of affirmative action in college admissions across the nation, prompting universities to seek new ways of achieving diversity.

5. Implications for Korean American Students

5.1. Past Perceptions of Affirmative Action

While Asian Americans—including Korean Americans—are often considered minorities, many felt that affirmative action disproportionately favored Black and Hispanic applicants, leading to higher academic standards for Asian students.

According to Pew Research Center, while about 50% of Asian Americans supported affirmative action in general, 75% opposed its use in college admissions, suggesting widespread concern over fairness.

5.2. What Changes Might We See?

With affirmative action no longer in effect, some experts predict that high-achieving Asian American students could benefit from a more merit-based admissions process.

However, many colleges remain committed to diversity and are likely to shift their focus toward non-racial factors, such as:

• Socioeconomic background
• First-generation college student status
• Geographic diversity
• Educational disadvantage

5.3. Evolving College Admissions Strategies

Korean American students and families should consider the following strategies:

• Academic Excellence Remains Crucial
  Strong GPA, AP/IB coursework, and competitive SAT/ACT scores will continue to be the foundation of a strong application.
• Compelling Essays and Extracurriculars
  With race no longer a direct consideration, essays and personal statements will play a larger role in revealing a student’s background, character, and unique journey. Students should aim to tell authentic stories about their identity, community contributions, and personal growth.
• Understanding New Diversity Criteria
  Students should highlight experiences related to economic hardship, multicultural upbringing, bilingualism, or rural/underrepresented communities—areas likely to receive increased focus from admissions officers.

6. Looking Ahead: Guidance and Encouragement

6.1. Monitor Institutional Shifts

Each college may adopt its own approach to maintaining diversity. Families should stay informed about the admissions trends and policy updates at their target institutions.

6.2. Show Authenticity and Purpose

A powerful application tells a story—not just of grades and scores, but of passion, resilience, and impact. Students should reflect deeply on their goals and articulate why their experiences have shaped who they are today.

6.3. Grow with a Long-Term Perspective

College admissions is more than a destination; it’s a journey of self-discovery. Students who invest in their growth, leadership, and community involvement will thrive not only in college but in life.

6.4. Recognize New Opportunities

Some experts argue that the end of affirmative action could open new doors for Asian American applicants. However, as colleges emphasize other forms of diversity, the competition will simply take new forms.

7. Conclusion

The 2023 Supreme Court decision marks a significant shift in American college admissions. While affirmative action aimed to address long-standing inequities, it also sparked decades of debate and legal challenges.

Now, as universities move forward without race-based admissions policies, Korean American students and their families must stay adaptable, informed, and strategic.

The fundamentals of college admissions remain unchanged: academic rigor, meaningful extracurriculars, and authentic storytelling. As we enter this new chapter, let us continue to encourage students to pursue their passions, develop their strengths, and express who they truly are.

Thank you for reading. I hope this article offers clarity and guidance as we navigate this evolving landscape together.

Thank you for trusting Elite Prep.
Andy Lee
Director, Elite Prep Suwanee
📍1291 Old Peachtree Rd, NW #127, Suwanee, GA 30024
🌐 Website: eliteprep.com/suwanee
📧 Email: andy.lee@eliteprep.com
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