A federal judge ruled on Friday that the U.S. Naval Academy may continue to consider race in its admissions process, despite a Supreme Court decision barring similar practices in civilian colleges. U.S. District Judge Richard Bennett in Baltimore rejected claims from Students for Fair Admissions, a group founded by anti-affirmative action advocate Edward Blum, that the academy’s race-conscious policy violates the Constitution.
Judge Cites National Security Interests
Judge Bennett, a former Army Reserve officer, highlighted the Naval Academy’s compelling need for a diverse officer corps to address national security concerns. In his 179-page ruling, Bennett noted that racial minorities comprise 52% of enlisted Navy personnel but only 31% of its officers. Similarly, minorities represent 35% of enlisted Marines but only 29% of officers. Bennett concluded that diversity within leadership is vital to maintaining trust and cohesion in the armed forces, which were racially segregated until 1948.
“The Naval Academy has demonstrated a clear national security interest in fostering a diverse officer corps,” Bennett wrote. He emphasized that the admissions program is narrowly tailored to address significant underrepresentation of minorities in leadership roles.
Reactions and Planned Appeals
Edward Blum expressed disappointment with the ruling and announced plans to appeal to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and, if necessary, the U.S. Supreme Court. “It is our hope that the U.S. military academies ultimately will be compelled to follow the Supreme Court’s prohibition of race in college admissions,” Blum stated.
A Naval Academy spokesperson acknowledged the ruling and confirmed that the institution is reviewing the decision. The Biden administration, which defended the academy’s policy, argued that a lack of minority officers could erode trust within racially diverse enlisted ranks.
Implications of Supreme Court’s June 2023 Ruling
The Supreme Court’s 2023 decision invalidated race-conscious admissions policies at Harvard and the University of North Carolina but excluded military academies due to their unique role in national security. Chief Justice John Roberts noted the “potentially distinct interests” of military schools, creating a carve-out for these institutions.
Blum’s group sought to eliminate this exception by filing lawsuits against the Naval Academy and West Point. The Naval Academy case marked the first trial in this effort. However, Judge Bennett’s decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s caution regarding military-specific considerations, affirming the academy’s ability to consider race in shaping a diverse officer corps.
