Biden’s Take on the Supreme Court: A Deep Dive into the President’s Remarks

President Biden Expresses Disappointment and Disagreement with Supreme Court’s Decision on Affirmative Action

Introduction

In a recent speech from the Roosevelt Room, President Biden expressed his disappointment and disagreement with the United States Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action. He emphasized the importance of diversity in college admissions and argued that the Court’s decision effectively ends affirmative action.

The President‘s Perspective

President Biden began by acknowledging that the United States Supreme Court has recognized the freedom of colleges to decide how to build diverse student bodies for the past forty-five years. He mentioned that the Court has historically affirmed this view, understanding that race can be considered as one of the factors among many in the admission process.

However, the President disagreed with the Court’s recent decision, stating that it effectively ends affirmative action. He noted that many people misunderstand affirmative action, believing that it allows unqualified students to be admitted ahead of qualified ones. President Biden clarified that colleges first establish a qualified pool of candidates based on academic standards, and only then do factors like race come into play to create a diverse class.

The President expressed his belief in the strength of America’s diversity and its benefits to society. He used the example of the United States military, highlighting its diversity as a contributing factor to its success. He argued that the same principle applies to colleges, believing that racially diverse institutions are stronger and tap into the full range of talent in the nation.

President Biden acknowledged that while talent, creativity, and hard work are present throughout the country, equal opportunity is not. He emphasized that the Court’s decision should not be the final word and that America should not walk away from the dream of equal opportunity for all.

A New Path Forward

The President proposed a new standard for colleges to consider when reviewing their admissions systems in light of the Court’s decision. While affirming that students first need to meet the school’s academic standards, he suggested that colleges should also take into account the adversity a student has overcome. This could include a lack of financial means or facing racial discrimination.

President Biden argued that students who have faced tougher challenges demonstrate more grit and determination, and this should be a factor considered in admissions. He pointed out that colleges still have the ability to examine a student’s background, including where they grew up and went to high school, to understand the hardships they have faced.

He referred to the Court’s statement that colleges can consider an applicant’s discussion of how race has affected their life, reaffirming that discrimination still exists in America and should be recognized by colleges. The President believes that a student’s ability to overcome adversity on their path to education should be valued by colleges.

A Call for Change in Higher Education

President Biden highlighted the need for a higher education system that works for everyone, not just the wealthy and well-connected. He noted the glaring disparity in college admissions between students from the top 1 percent of family incomes and those from the bottom 20 percent.

To address this issue, the President announced that he is directing the Department of Education to analyze practices that help build inclusive and diverse student bodies and those that hinder progress. He singled out legacy admissions and other systems that expand privilege instead of opportunity. He emphasized the importance of colleges and universities continuing to support, retain, and graduate diverse students and classes.

Additionally, President Biden called on companies that recognize the value of diversity not to use the Court’s decision as an excuse to turn away from diversity in their own practices. He emphasized that diversity is the strength of America and that the country must find a way forward to ensure equal opportunity and success for all.

The President‘s Stance on the Supreme Court

During a question-and-answer session, President Biden responded to inquiries about the legitimacy of the Supreme Court and the possibility of term limits for justices. While he acknowledged that the Court’s decision was not normal, he did not directly label it as a rogue Court. He did not express a definitive stance on implementing term limits for justices but suggested it as a topic for further discussion.

In conclusion, President Biden‘s remarks on the Supreme Court’s decision on affirmative action reflect his strong disagreement and disappointment. He calls for a new path forward that prioritizes diversity, recognizes the obstacles students face, and ensures equal opportunity in higher education. The President emphasizes the importance of not letting this decision be a setback for the country and reaffirms his commitment to fighting for inclusivity and the promise of America.