In a historic decision, the United States Supreme Court ended race-conscious admissions programs in higher education last month.
As higher education institutions adjust, will companies and its human resources departments have to adjust as well? Many legal experts say that the Supreme Court's decisions in higher education will have repercussions in the employment context. The Supreme Court's decision addresses admissions based on race at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, but does not go into the issue of diversity at institutions, Young noted. The decision may spur action on other state or federal laws pertaining to all areas of DEI , she said.
The decision not only impacts colleges, it will be equally disruptive for employers, many of whom have embedded diversity into their institutional missions and operations, Hawkins added. Ways to maintain diversity goals without using race can include increasing consideration of socioeconomic status, which is correlated with race and ethnicity, Hawkins said.