The Supreme Court’s Decisions Make Students Cry

Last week, the Supreme Court made the decisions that changed history forever. First, on Thursday, June 29, the Supreme Court ruled that affirmative action violated the Constitution. And second, on Friday, June 30, they ruled that President Joe Biden has no authority to cancel the student loan debt. Two decisions have angered many young people who are currently in college, after college, or going to enroll in college because they will not have affirmative action and be canceled their debt. I want to think about the Supreme Court’s decision to see what they mean to today’s and future college students. Today, I have the answer for myself.

Supreme Court gate

Affirmative Action

First, what does affirmative action mean? Affirmative action in the United States allows factors such as color, race, sex, religion, or national origin of an individual to be considered by businesses or governments to increase their chances for a section of society. In the education sector, this policy supports people of color and other ethnic minorities to overcome educational and economic disadvantages in university enrollment. The U.S. Supreme Court ruling rejecting the policy is said to undermine efforts to increase diversity in universities, businesses, and public institutions.

Explaining the ruling, Judge John Roberts said that the support policy, although well-intentioned, is discriminatory against other groups of students. According to this judge, universities can still decide on their own, considering the student's circumstances to prioritize when considering admissions applications. However, relying on color or ethnicity factors is intrinsically racist and therefore violates the US Constitution. The ruling was supported by conservatives but was criticized by progressives. Of the nine justices of the Supreme Court, three have opposed the legislation. Biden expressed his disappointment with the judge’s decision. Speaking at the White House, Mr. Biden said that discrimination still exists in the US and asserted that American universities would be better if they were racially diverse.

Reuters/Ipsos conducted a poll before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on allegations that some universities were racist in admissions. With 4,408 adults participating between February 6-13, the results showed that 62% of respondents objected to including ethnicity in admissions decisions - a practice commonly practiced by colleges and universities. America used to promote ethnic diversity.

The disapproval rate among Republicans is 73%, while this rate among Democrats is 46%. 67% of whites also agree. Meanwhile, only 52% of the respondents belonging to the ethnic minority group opposed the favor. Also, according to the survey, 46% of respondents said that favoritism policies demonstrate the unfair treatment of white people. 49% of whites agree with this view, similar to 39% of minorities. Meanwhile, most respondents do not think admissions offices should consider race. 58% said they support priority programs to increase student racial diversity on campus.

Before I continue, I’d like to say that for the first time, I have to lean on the decision of the Supreme Court. I think race should not be considered in the admission process. A student should be evaluated based on their talents and their performance. Not race. If the race card is on the table, it will create an unfairness to other students. I am talking about every student. It’s not just because you are Black, Asian, or Latino; you should fit in at a college. No, it cannot work like that. It needs to be fair and square. You know, I believe in our country’s education system. Whenever a student wants to get into college, they should show their abilities, outstanding transcript, perfect SAT or ACT score, achievement, and passion. Race should be a minor consideration to get into college, which means it’s just a supporting element. The main thing is the students themselves. I am really tired of the race card in considering college admission. Yes, it is unconstitutional. College is for learning and growing; everyone should be treated equally and have the same opportunity. It is not because I am other than white; I should be treated differently. No, it should not work like that. Once again, It needs to be based on talent and performance. The Supreme Court made the right decision this time.

Student Loan Debt Cancellation

This is the biggest mistake that the Supreme Court has made. I think that the plan of President Biden is the best. It will help students who borrowed loans from the government can be able to leave some burdens behind. His administration introduced this plan last year and many students and Democrats supported it. But the Republicans didn't and this case happened. Students have to pay the interest, which rises yearly, and soon, the debt will go high up to the sky, and there is no chance they can pay off. With Biden’s plan, former borrowers can pay the debt more quickly. It is strange to me that some jobs require college degrees, especially medical majors. Usually, it will take them many years to finish their major, which will cost a lot of money. Financial Aid can only cover some of those or not cover anything at all. Canceling student loan debt is a way to help students stay focused on what they are studying and assist them in life. Education is the most important thing ever, and why do people want to take education away from people who want to learn? Biden’s plan has opened a door of opportunity to every student struggling to pay off their debt, yet, the Supreme Court and GOP want to take away that opportunity. What a shame!

Conclusion

Based on two decisions of the Supreme Court, I can conclude that the conservative justices are trying to make two crucial cases for a political purpose. No doubt! That is what the Republicans want all the time. And now, thanks to the Supreme Court, they feel relief when they can beat the Democrats one step ahead. What about you? What do you think about the decisions of the Supreme Court?