The Ripple Effects of Affirmative Action's End: A Shift in College Admissions

The Supreme Court’s decision to end affirmative action in college admissions has sent shockwaves through higher education, especially for Black and Brown students—particularly at selective institutions. For years, race-conscious admissions were a crucial tool in ensuring students of color had a fair shot at top universities. Without those considerations, we’re already seeing the shift. MIT, Princeton, and others are reporting significant drops in Black and Hispanic enrollment. At MIT, the percentage of Black students plummeted from 15% to just 5% in a single year. Meanwhile, we’re seeing a rise in Asian American enrollment, and more students are opting not to disclose their race altogether.

For many Black and Brown students, this decision has left them questioning where they belong in today’s admissions landscape. And I get it—I’ve been a student at an HBCU, a PWI, and an Ivy League institution. That sense of belonging matters, and it’s a huge factor in shaping students' confidence and success. So it’s no surprise that HBCUs are seeing a surge in applications post-ruling. North Carolina A&T, Morgan State, Alabama State, and many others are experiencing record numbers. HBCUs offer a space where students feel seen, supported, and celebrated. But while this rise in interest is encouraging, it comes with real challenges.

Despite their rich history and vital role in Black education, HBCUs have been underfunded for decades. Schools like Morehouse are seeing thousands more applications, but they simply don’t have the infrastructure to handle that kind of growth. HBCUs are at a tipping point—bursting at the seams with students but lacking the resources to support them. That’s why we need real policy solutions that ensure these institutions can thrive as they take on this wave of new interest.

Here’s what I propose:

1. Tie State Funding to Enrollment Increases: Many HBCUs are public institutions relying on state funding. Let’s link that funding directly to enrollment increases so that these schools have the resources they need to grow as demand rises.
2. Increase Title III Funding: HBCUs already receive federal support through Title III, but the current funding levels are nowhere near enough to meet the growing need. Boosting this funding will allow HBCUs to invest in infrastructure, faculty, and student services to better serve their students.
3. Establish a Federal HBCU Endowment Fund: It’s time for a dedicated federal endowment fund to give HBCUs the long-term financial stability they need. Modeled after the large endowments of private universities, this fund would allow HBCUs to invest in critical areas without overly relying on unpredictable state or federal appropriations.

The end of affirmative action has transformed higher education for Black and Brown students, but HBCUs—long the backbone of Black education—are stepping up to meet the moment. The question now is: Will we? If we truly believe in educational equity, we must ensure that HBCUs have the support they need to sustain this growth and continue providing quality education for generations to come. Let’s seize this moment and ensure every student, no matter where they go, has access to the education they deserve.