Summary
The Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions has renewed the debate over legacy admissions. A Boston-based nonprofit filed a complaint alleging Harvard’s legacy and donor-based admissions favors white students, and the NAACP called on 1,600 public and private universities across the country to end legacy admissions. For a transcript of this story, click here . News wrap alternative : Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.Five Facts
- What are legacy admissions?
- Who is Derrick Johnson, and what is his background?
- Why are Lawyers for Civil Rights and the NAACP calling to end legacy college admissions?
- How do colleges benefit from legacy admissions according to college leadership?
- What are adversity standards?
Focus Questions
Do you think legacy admissions continue at colleges across the United States? Why or why not? News analysis : Journalist Geoff Bennett interviewed Derrick Johnson, the president and CEO of the NAACP. Who else would you have liked to have heard from regarding affirmative action and legacy admissions? Alternative : See, Think, Wonder : What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?For More
What students can do: Discuss with a friend, neighbor or classmate — what will be some long-term consequences of removing affirmative action? What would be the effects of removing legacy admissions?
STUDENT VIDEO OF THE DAY (March 19, 2020)
This lesson was written by Fariya Farah, a senior at Amherst College and NewsHour Classroom’s intern, with editing by Luke Gerwe. Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources. Sign up for NewsHour Classroom’s ready-to-go Daily News Lessons delivered to your inbox each morning.
