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Columbia Drops Essay Requirement Amid Race Admissions Scrutiny

8/25/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Columbia University will not consider applicants' essays for admissions decisions amid scrutiny over race.
A new memo mandates universities to report race-based admissions data, potentially hindering diversity initiatives.
Experts caution this may result in discrimination allegations and affect academic freedom in Chicago-area institutions.
The Supreme Court's 2023 ruling against affirmative action has already reduced minority enrollment in elite schools.

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Story summary

Columbia University will not consider applicants' essays for admissions decisions amid scrutiny over race.
A new memo mandates universities to report race-based admissions data, potentially hindering diversity initiatives.
Experts caution this may result in discrimination allegations and affect academic freedom in Chicago-area institutions.
The Supreme Court's 2023 ruling against affirmative action has already reduced minority enrollment in elite schools.