Does the College Board Control Affirmative Action? A Deep Dive into the Confusing World of College Admissions
So, you’re wondering if the College Board, that seemingly omnipotent entity that controls your SAT score and probably your sleep schedule, is also pulling the strings on affirmative action? It’s a valid question, especially after the Supreme Court’s decision to essentially throw a wrench into the works of race-conscious college admissions. But let’s be real, folks. The College Board is just a giant test-making machine, not a puppet master pulling the levers of the entire higher education system.
The Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 essentially said: “Hey colleges, you can’t use race as a factor in admissions anymore. We know you’re trying to build diverse campuses, but we’re not buying it. Get creative.”
Cue the College Board, who, in its infinite wisdom, decided to release a new “contextual” tool that supposedly helps admissions officers understand students’ backgrounds.
The College Board’s “Contextual” Tool: Savior or Smoke and Mirrors?
The College Board’s new “contextual” tool is supposed to give admissions officers a better understanding of students’ socioeconomic backgrounds and experiences, allowing them to “consider” those factors in the admissions process.
But here’s the catch: the tool doesn’t actually use race or ethnicity as a factor. It’s like trying to explain the concept of “blue” without using the word “blue.”
Many people, including myself, find the whole thing a bit suspect. Is this tool just a clever way for the College Board to distance itself from the controversial topic of affirmative action? Are they trying to have their cake and eat it too, by saying they support diversity while avoiding any direct involvement in race-conscious admissions?
Here’s a thought: maybe the College Board should focus on making the SAT a more accurate and equitable measure of academic ability instead of trying to find loopholes around the Supreme Court’s decision.
The College Board and Affirmative Action: A History of… Well, Not Much
The College Board has a long history of… well, let’s just say they’ve been more concerned with their own bottom line than with social justice. They haven’t exactly been a champion of affirmative action.
Sure, they’ve filed amicus briefs in some affirmative action cases. But let’s be honest, those briefs were probably more about protecting their own interests than about championing diversity.
Why the College Board’s “Contextual” Tool Might Not Be the Solution
Here’s the thing: the College Board’s “contextual” tool is a band-aid on a gaping wound. It doesn’t address the root causes of inequality in education. It’s just a new way to measure the same old disparities.
The real solution to building more diverse and equitable college campuses lies in addressing the systemic inequalities that exist in our society. We need to invest in early childhood education, provide more opportunities for underrepresented students, and ensure that all students have access to quality education, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.
So, Does the College Board Control Affirmative Action?
No, the College Board doesn’t control affirmative action. They are just one player in the complex game of college admissions.
But the College Board does have the power to influence the conversation about diversity and equity in higher education. And right now, they’re playing a dangerous game by trying to skirt around the Supreme Court’s decision.
It’s time for the College Board to step up and take a real stand for diversity and equity. They need to stop trying to find loopholes and start working towards a truly equitable system of higher education.
What You Can Do
If you’re concerned about the future of affirmative action, don’t just sit there and complain about the College Board’s “contextual” tool. Get involved!
Here are a few things you can do:
- Contact your elected officials and urge them to support policies that promote diversity and equity in education.
- Support organizations that are working to address the systemic inequalities that exist in our society.
- Volunteer your time to help students from underrepresented backgrounds achieve their educational goals.
Together, we can create a more just and equitable system of higher education for all.
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