End Race-Based STEM Admissions in New York—A Call for Fairness
Progress on Race-Based Admissions in New York STEM Programs Falls Short
The decision by the New York State Education Department (SED) to temporarily halt its requirement for race-based admissions into advanced STEM courses signifies some progress. This change comes after a lawsuit filed by Asian parents and the Chinese American Citizens Alliance of Greater NY, highlighting racial discrimination concerns.
Currently, in response to a federal lawsuit, SED allows schools to admit students into STEM programs based solely on economic need instead of race. However, the department continues to challenge the legality of race-based preferences in court and reserves the right for schools to use them if they choose for now.
Many see this as an insufficient step. Critics argue that the fundamental practice of considering race in admissions should be fully eliminated, not just temporarily paused. Public opinion also increasingly favors equal treatment; a recent poll found that 50% of Americans oppose affirmative action in college admissions.
Parents like Yiatin Chu, who led the lawsuit, express frustration. Chu stated, “It was unfair and racist for my daughter to face a low-income requirement solely because she is Asian, while her Black and Hispanic peers aren’t.” She emphasizes that there’s no moral reason why a wealthy Black or Hispanic student should have preferences over a similarly skilled, but poorer, Asian or white student.
Originate in 1985, programs like the Science and Technology Entry Program (C-STEP) aimed to increase interest among low-income and minority high school students in STEM and healthcare. However, they’ve historically discriminated against Asian and white students from their inception.
The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in 2023 made it clear that college admissions must be race-neutral, explicitly banning racial discrimination in education law. Chief Justice John Roberts emphasized that “Eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it.”
It’s time for New York officials to uphold true equality by ending race-based admissions in all programs permanently.
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