An Correspondence to Fellow College Admission Officers
It's frigid outside, but the icy atmosphere in this discussion has nothing to do with January in the northeast or Punxsutawney Phil's shadow. I'm talking about the chilling climate in college admissions as we embark on 2025.
Last week, the Department of Education dropped a "Dear Colleague" letter that promptly heated up debates over race-conscious admission policies. This letter expanded upon the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark judgment in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College, effectively threatening to cut off federal assistance to any institution that abides by race-based policies or programming. Institutions had a mere 14 days to comply.
The outcry has been understandable. College admission leaders, already juggling their roles as institutional gatekeepers, are facing scrutiny as never before. The upcoming months are shaping up to be fraught with questions over the scope, legality, and impact of the letter.
So, I'm diving right in, offering my own take on this predicament to the admission leaders, counselors, and students/families struggling to navigate these choppy waters.
Dear Colleagues,
As college admission heads, your plate is more than full already. You're accountable to the institution's mission, budget, rankings, trustees, presidents, alumni, students, parents, high school counselors, and – let's not forget – the actual applicants. Stakes are high – your policies and practices are often criticized like you're working in a vacuum.
The dreaded letter has cast a long shadow over your work, but it shouldn't silence you or your data. Share openly about the process – it's still a black box to many students. You're the champions of opportunity – stand firm.
In the face of fresh controversy, here's some advice from wise colleagues:
Jon Burdick (Retired VP for Enrollment at Cornell University)
"This letter is a threat from people bent on bullying you into serving their interests. Don't let the bullies win – follow the law, but remember this letter isn't even connected to the actual Supreme Court decision. Stay resilient and dedicate yourself to the mission you're fighting for."
Bob Massa (Vice President Emeritus for Enrollment at Dickinson College)
"Frustration, criticism, and constant changes are your reality as college admission leaders. But focus on your mission – providing opportunities. Keep pushing forward, lead strong, and don't back down."
Richard Weissbourd (Harvard Graduate School of Education)
"This is an opportunity for adcoms to send a positive message valuing young people who can foster constructive dialogue across differences. Encourage schools to cultivate these skills – it's crucial during challenging times."
The chilling winds of doubt may blow, but there's no need to cower. Instead, stand united as a community, facing adversity with grace and confidence. The mission to make higher education accessible and inclusive remains. Your role as an advocate for potential students remains. Let's face this test of resolve together.
The Supreme Court's decision in Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College has significantly impacted the admissions process in many colleges, with the Department of Education issuing a letter that threatens to cut off federal funding for institutions that adhere to race-based policies. This has led to a 14-day compliance period for institutions, causing upheaval and uncertainty in enrollment management departments across the country.
The Supreme Court's ruling and the subsequent Department of Education letter have brought race-conscious admission policies into the spotlight, raising questions about their legality and impact. With these changes looming, admission leaders are grappling with a challenging landscape filled with scrutiny, criticism, and evolving policies.
In 2025, as colleges navigate the stormy waters of these admissions controversies, it is essential for admission leaders to maintain a strong focus on their mission, providing opportunities for students regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. They must remain resilient, advocating for these students while staying within the bounds of the law.
As admission leaders prepare for their roles in this dynamic environment, guidance from experienced colleagues can offer valuable insights and wisdom. Colleagues like Jon Burdick, Bob Massa, and Richard Weissbourd offer advice to stand firm, stay resilient, and focus on the mission while encouraging constructive dialogue across ethnic differences.
In the face of these challenges, the mission to make higher education accessible and inclusive remains unchanged. Admission leaders must face these tests of resolve together, standing united as a community and advocating for potential students who can benefit from these opportunities.
