MIT's Diversity Affected by SCOTUS Ruling

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has reported a significant decrease in the enrollment of Black students in its incoming Class of 2028, with only 5% identifying as Black, down from an average of 13% in recent years. Latino students also saw a decline, making up 11% of the class compared to a previous average of 15%. This drop is attributed to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision to end affirmative action in college admissions, which has had widespread implications for institutions across the country. Dean of Admissions Stu Schmill acknowledged the impact of the ruling, stating, “We expected that this would result in fewer students from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups enrolling at MIT.” The overall percentage of students from these groups has fallen from approximately 25% to about 16% for the new class. The Supreme Court's decision deemed race-based admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina unconstitutional, effectively dismantling affirmative action policies nationwide. In response to the ruling, MIT has expanded its recruitment and financial aid initiatives aimed at low-income students from diverse backgrounds. Schmill emphasized that while race is no longer a factor in admissions, the university will continue to seek diversity through various other criteria, including prospective fields of study and socioeconomic backgrounds. MIT President Sally Kornbluth expressed the need for new strategies to maintain a diverse student body, reaffirming the institution's commitment to meeting 100% of financial need for all undergraduates. The university aims to ensure that prospective students are aware of the affordability of an MIT education, despite the challenges posed by the recent legal changes.