Trump Administration Tightens Scrutiny on College Admissions, Demands Data on Race

Colleges will be required to submit data proving they don't consider race in admissions, as per a new policy ordered by President Trump. This follows a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action, though colleges can still consider how race shaped a student's life if shared in essays.

Trump accuses colleges of using indirect methods to consider race, which conservatives view as illegal. The new policy mirrors agreements with Brown and Columbia Universities, requiring data on race, GPA, and test scores, along with government audits and public admissions statistics.

The Education Department will collect data on applicants' race and sex. Colleges failing to comply may face action. The impact of the order is uncertain, as colleges are already prohibited from collecting race information during admissions.

Colleges are barred from asking about race during application, but can after enrollment, with students having the right to decline. Post-ruling data showed varied diversity changes.

Some colleges use more essays to understand applicants' backgrounds, as suggested by the Supreme Court. Colleges have also tried strategies like prioritizing low-income families and admitting top students from all communities.

California's ban on affirmative action led to enrollment changes, prompting investment in programs for low-income students. The University of Michigan shifted focus to low-income students after a state vote, but minority enrollment hasn't fully recovered.