New York Withdraws Race-Based Admissions Policy for STEM Programs Following Lawsuit

State education authorities have eliminated the race-based criteria for admission to the Science and Technology Entry Program (STEP), a state-funded initiative providing advanced science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) classes to middle- and high-school students. The change comes after a lawsuit filed by Asian parents claiming the policy was discriminatory.

STEP admits around 11,000 students annually across 56 colleges and medical schools statewide, with a related program called CSTEP. Originally, the program aimed to increase participation of underrepresented and economically disadvantaged students in STEM fields. However, Asian and white students were subjected to income restrictions or disqualified based on race, while Black, Hispanic, and Native American students could apply regardless of economic status.

One parent shared that her daughter was unable to apply for the summer 2024 STEP program at New York University solely because of her race, leading her to pay for an alternative summer science program. Many argue that the program’s income requirements for Asian and white students unfairly discriminate against them based on race.

A federal lawsuit filed in January accused the state of blatant racial discrimination. In response, a top education official announced that, effective immediately, eligibility decisions would no longer consider race or ethnicity, focusing solely on family income indicators, in line with legal guidance. The official emphasized that the department would continue to defend the programs’ missions in court.

Legal representatives for Asian parents criticized the state’s decision, asserting that the authorities only “paused” race-based policies, leaving room for ongoing discrimination through language like “may” and “encouraged” in future eligibility criteria. An opponent argued that the state effectively surrendered, demanding a complete, permanent ban on racial eligibility requirements.

Meanwhile, legal experts insist that the state must cease all forms of racial discrimination in admissions to comply with federal laws. Despite the program’s intent to promote diversity, critics argue that race-based preferences undermine fairness and equality in educational opportunities.