Harvard Intentionally Discriminating Against Asian-Americans Over Admissions? Trial Begins In US Court, Attracts Wide Attention

The court hearing over Harvard’s ‘vague’ personal ratings allegedly aimed at discriminating against Asian-American students, has attracted a large audience, Associated Press has reported. Besides a packed courtroom, people for and against the petition took out rallies in the Boston area.

The suit filed against Harvard argues that Asian Americans’ admission rate is the least in spite of their excellent academic record. Harvard’s legal team denied any discrimination in its opening remarks. Lawyers representing ‘Students for Fair Admissions’ accused Harvard of intentionally discriminating against Asian-Americans through a rating score that's used to measure character traits such as "courage" and “likeability”.

‘Students for Fair Admissions’ opposes the admission of students based on race. The petitioners have argued that vague parameters create an opportunity for racial discrimination. However, Adam Mortara, a lawyer for Students for Fair Admissions said that the group was not against the larger idea of affirmative action or diversity on the college campus.

William Lee, a lawyer for Harvard and a member of its admission committee said that race was not the only criteria for acceptance or rejection. The outcome of the case could influence admission practices throughout the USA.