DEI in Higher Education
The application of DEI principles in higher education, particularly through affirmative action in college admissions, has also shown that white women are the primary beneficiaries. The American Council on Education found that, while racial minorities have made some gains in college admissions, white women are far more likely to be admitted under affirmative action policies than Black and Brown applicants.
Earlier this month, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board reported that first-time undergraduate enrollment in historically white Texas institutions showed that African American enrollment remained virtually stagnant from 2009 to 2023.
This raises critical questions about the objectives of affirmative action. While it was originally designed to rectify the historical disadvantages faced by Black and brown students, white women’s access to affirmative action shows the policy is not adequately addressing the needs of those who are most marginalized. As universities strive to increase gender diversity alongside racial diversity, the result is often a higher percent- age of white women admitted, while students of color, particularly Black and Indigenous students, remain woefully underrepresented. So Why do Blacks support these programs?
