Biden administration advises colleges on how race of students can be considered in admissions

Washington — After the Supreme Court's decision in June banning affirmative action admission policies that use race as a determining factor in college admissions, the Biden administration on Monday unveiled new legal resources for colleges and universities it says will clarify how a prospective student's race and ethnicity can be considered in admissions.

"Nothing in the court's decisions denied the value of diversity in education," Education Department Secretary Miguel Cardona said. "Institutions can continue — or start — to do targeted outreach and recruitment in underserved communities, collect and consider demographic data, and run programs to consider the retention and success of students of diverse backgrounds."

Addressing the "topline issue" of considering race in admissions, Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta said, "Colleges and universities can and should continue to ensure that their doors are open to those students of all backgrounds, including students of color, who possess the characteristics necessary to succeed and contribute on college campuses."