Changes in Admissions Policy for STEM Programs in New York
The New York State Education Department has decided to temporarily set aside racial-based admissions criteria for senior STEM classes. This change comes after advocacy from groups like the Asian Parents group and the Chinese American Citizens Alliance in Greater New York, which signifies some progress.
However, many argue that this step should lead to a complete elimination of such practices.
In light of federal lawsuits, the Department is now permitting students to enter STEM programs based on financial need rather than racial considerations. Still, they continue to fight to uphold racial preferences in court.
This ongoing struggle introduces a significant disappointment for many.
Public opinion seems to lean toward equal treatment across racial lines, as a Pew poll last December indicated that Americans oppose affirmative action policies in universities by a margin of 50% to 33%. The inequity surrounding racial preferences has become increasingly apparent.
Yiatin Chu, a parent who spearheaded the lawsuit, expressed frustration: “It was unfair and racist that her daughter faced low-income requirements just because she was Asian, while her Black and Hispanic classmates did not.” Her argument highlights an essential truth—there’s no justification for affluent Black and Hispanic students to receive better opportunities than less privileged Asian or White students with comparable abilities.
The science and technology entry program was established in 1985 to spark interest in STEM and healthcare fields among underrepresented and low-income high school students. This program, along with others aimed at university students, has been accused of discriminating against Asian and White students since its inception.
The Supreme Court’s recent affirmative action decision remains somewhat ambiguous, advocating for a race-neutral approach.
Federal education laws explicitly prohibit discrimination based on race, and, as Secretary John Roberts emphasized in the majority opinion, “To eliminate racism means to eliminate it all.”
This leads to a crucial question: Will officials in New York eventually adopt a truly equal treatment policy and abolish race-based admissions in their STEM programs entirely?
