Harvard University’s dean of admissions testified in federal court on Monday that in the interest of attracting a diverse student body, the school lowers its recruiting standards a bit for many students from rural regions — but not if they are Asian-American, according to reporting by The New York Times.
 
The dean, William Fitzsimmons, was the first witness to take the stand in a trial over whether Harvard discriminates against Asian-American applicants in violation of civil rights law. The plaintiffs in the case say Harvard effectively imposes a quota on Asian-American students, a claim the school denies.
 
After opening arguments in the morning, the trial began delving into the arcane mechanics of Harvard’s admissions process, which the university says is meant to ensure that students from a wide range of backgrounds are admitted. One issue that surfaced quickly was how Harvard goes about recruiting from what it calls “sparse country” — predominantly rural states that tend to yield few applications.
 
The following articles summarize the courtroom events on the first day of the trial:
 
Harvard Admissions Chief Defends Policies in First Day of Trial
The Wall Street Journal
 
Harvard Admissions Dean Testifies as Affirmative Action Trial Begins
The New York Times
 
Harvard Admissions Trial Opens with University Accused of Bias Against Asian Americans
The Washington Post
 
As Trial Begins, Harvard’s Admissions Are Under Scrutiny
The Boston Globe
 
Harvard Admissions Trial Opens With Arguments Focused on Diversity
The Chronicle of Higher Education
 
Harvard Trial Continues in Boston
Politico
 
What Hillsdale Can Teach Harvard – Column
The Wall Street Journal