A federal judge has affirmed the United States Naval Academy’s ability to factor in a candidate’s race as part of its admissions program. Judge Richard Bennett decided the case in Annapolis on Friday, December 6. It comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court decision that largely deemed race-based admissions in higher education unconstitutional, though it left room for exceptions elsewhere.
Students for Fair Admissions, the same organization that initiated the Supreme Court case, challenged the Naval Academy’s policy. They argued that the policy discriminates against white candidates who are otherwise qualified.
The Academy defended its admissions approach, stating that having a racially diverse group of naval officers contributes to national security and bolsters the military’s standing.
Judge Bennett said, “The Academy has tied its use of race to the realization of an officer corps that represents the country it protects and the people it leads.”
Following the decision, Students for Fair Admissions signaled plans to appeal, maintaining their opposition to what they see as preferential treatment for minority candidates.
The case comes in the wake of a massive decline in white recruits in the U.S. military, totaling 35 percent over the last five years. While minority groups have increased slightly among military recruits, their numbers have not been enough to fill the gap.
Experts claim the reasons for the decline are multi-faceted, but the infiltration of leftist ideologies and making diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) a priority over military readiness are factors.
