The Supreme Court on Thu. ruled race-conscious college admissions programs unconstitutional, upending decades of precedent.

The Court delivered decisions in two affirmative action cases Thu., one involving Harvard and another involving UNC. (NYT)

The Court's conservative majority ruled against both institutions: 6–3 against UNC and 6–2 against Harvard.

In his majority opinion, Justice John Roberts argued that affirmative action policies violated the Equal Protection Clause.

However, Roberts also wrote that colleges could consider an "applicant’s discussion of how race affected [their] life."

The Court's decision sparked several reactions Thu.: Biden said he was directing the Education Department to take action.

Biden: "[I propose] a new standard where colleges take into account the adversity a student has overcome when selecting..."

Biden: "If a student...had to overcome adversity on their path to education, a college should recognize and value that."

Biden: "Colleges...should continue their commitment to support, retain, and graduate diverse students and classes."

Biden: "We need to remember that diversity is our strength. We have to find a way forward."

Harvard President-Elect Claudine Gay said in a statement Thu. that the school would "comply with the Court's decision."

Calvin Yang, an anti-affirmative action activist affiliated with Students for Fair Admissions, told reporters Thu.:

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thu. the ruling would lead to a "decline in African American and Latino admissions."

The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, who presented oral arguments on both cases, also held a press conference Thu..

Lawyers' Committee Pres. Damon Hewitt said the decision would make education "less attainable for students of color."

Hewitt: "This Court is clearly on the wrong side of history. But we will not be deterred."

Legal Defense Fund Pres. Janai Nelson: "We know...race still...matters in our society — particularly for Black people."

Nelson: "...universities still have a moral imperative and the legal ability to ensure that their doors are open equally."

Asian Americans Advancing Justice VP of Strategic Initiatives Marita Etcubañez: "Today marks a new beginning."

Etcubañez: "...we are more committed than ever to ensuring equal opportunity for all children in this country."

Per the NYT, Black students are vastly underrepresented at elite colleges, making up only 6% of first-year students.

In 2020, UNC Chapel Hill reported that 57% of its students were white and 8% were Black; 12% were Asian. (Vox)