Americans Want Diversity in Higher Ed, Less Sure About Affirmative Action

Although the U.S. Supreme Court slammed the door on race-conscious admissions practices this past June, Americans still broadly believe in the importance of diversity in higher education. And Americans have complex beliefs about affirmative action, with nearly two-thirds agreeing that it reduces racial inequities, but fewer supporting it.  These findings come from this year’s Varying Degrees Report, based on an annual survey by the left-leaning non-profit New America. The report shows that American views on diversity and equity in higher education are nuanced—or perhaps confused.