The Real Importance of the Supremes Ruling About Affirmative Action

The most important aspect of the Supreme Courts ruling allowing Affirmative Action on the part of the Graduate School at the University of Michigan is not that minority (race) can be considered in admissions. The most far-reaching aspect of the decision is that it affirms the independence of institutions of higher education to set their own educational philosophy and the means through which they accomplish it. The independence of institutions of higher education from government interference is one of the ways in which liberal democracy is kept from degenerating into illiberal democracy through governmental controls.

One can imagine that in the future, race may not be an overriding consideration if racial diversity becomes a natural outcome of present day affirmative action, which one might optimistically hope. Other types of diversity may become important however. For instance, the ratio of men and women students in universities continues to move toward a majority of women. It may be that affirmative action may be necessary in order to provide a diversity of sexes. One might also think that in a more enlightened time, universities may want to ensure diversity by affirmative action in including a fair share of openly homosexual students as well if, indeed, a well rounded education includes the opportunity to associate with all aspects of society.