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Federal judge says Harvard doesn’t discriminate against Asian Americans in admissions process

FILE - In this March 7, 2017 file photo, rowers paddle down the Charles River near the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. A debate over the appropriateness of the school's decision to rescind offers of admission to 10 students has expanded far beyond the halls of Harvard and is being watched closely by other campuses, particularly at a time of heightened attention to free speech on college campuses. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File) FILE - In this March 7, 2017 file photo, rowers paddle down the Charles River near the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. A debate over the appropriateness of the school's decision to rescind offers of admission to 10 students has expanded far beyond the halls of Harvard and is being watched closely by other campuses, particularly at a time of heightened attention to free speech on college campuses. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

By Associated Press October 1, 2019 1 min read

BOSTON (AP) – A federal judge has ruled that Harvard University does not discriminate against Asian Americans in its admissions process.

U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs issued the ruling Tuesday in a 2014 lawsuit alleging that Harvard holds Asian American applicants to a higher standard than students of other races.

Burroughs says Harvard’s admissions process is not perfect but passes constitutional muster.

The case was filed by the Students for Fair Admissions, which says it will appeal the decision. Harvard did not immediately comment.

The suit drew support from the Trump administration and reignited a debate over affirmative action.

Much of the suit centered on a subjective “personal rating” that Harvard assigns to applicants. The suit says Asian Americans receive lower personal ratings as a result of racial prejudice. Harvard denies any bias.