Harvard President Drew Faust Dismisses Claims of Asian‑American Discrimination
On Thursday, November 1, former Harvard University President Drew Faust told a courtroom in Boston that the Ivy League’s “claims of discrimination against Asian‑American applicants” are “totally at odds with what we believe.”
What the Hearing Really Means
Faust, who left the presidency in June, took the stand amid a high‑profile trial that could reshape how race factors into U.S. college admissions. The case pits Harvard against Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), a group founded by an anti‑affirmative‑action activist and currently backed by the Trump administration.
Her Legacy: Expanding Access
- She highlighted how her tenure focused on breaking down barriers.
- Financial aid was ramped up, bringing more students into Harvard’s folds.
- Several committees were set up to keep diversity on the agenda.
“We’ve made progress, but there’s still work to be done,” Faust said.
Denying the Discrimination Charge
She brushed off allegations that Harvard stifles Asian‑American applicants. In fact, she noted that 23 % of Harvard’s current freshman class is Asian‑American, up from about 3 % back in 1980.
The Court’s Peek Behind the Curtain
This non‑jury trial before U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs gives a rare glimpse into how the university selects from roughly 40,000 applicants for only about 1,600 spots.
Could This Reach the Supreme Court?
Legal voices suggest the case might make it to the U.S. Supreme Court, letting the newly cemented conservative majorities challenge affirmative action. Historically the Court has allowed colleges to consider race as one factor among many, but SFFA argues Harvard went further by “racial balancing,” keeping Asian‑American admits below 20 % before the lawsuit’s 2014 filing.
Harvard’s Defense
Harvard insists its approach aligns with the Supreme Court’s precedent on promoting diversity. SFFA, led by activist Edward Blum, has a record of challenging race‑based college admissions elsewhere.
The Justice Department’s Role
After President Donald Trump took office, the U.S. Justice Department launched a probe into Harvard, supporting SFFA’s position and arguing the university didn’t seriously consider race‑neutral admissions.
