The U.S. Naval Academy is challenging the recent Supreme Court ruling against race-based college admissions in an ongoing civil trial in Maryland. Attorneys for the Academy argue that race should remain a factor in admissions, stating that diversity strengthens the military, making it more effective and respected.
The case was brought by Students for Fair Admissions, the same group behind the lawsuit that led to the Supreme Court‘s 2022 decision prohibiting race consideration in college admissions. That ruling ended a practice intended to boost opportunities for historically marginalized groups but allowed for a possible exemption for military academies, citing national security interests.
The group, founded by conservative activist Edward Blum, is now challenging the Naval Academy’s admissions policy. The trial is being heard by Judge Richard Bennett, a George W. Bush appointee and a former member of the U.S. Army Reserve and Maryland National Guard.
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During the first week of testimony, military officials shared differing views on the role of race in creating a cohesive fighting force. Lt. Col. Dakota Wood, a retired Marine Corps officer and Naval Academy graduate, argued that racial and ethnic diversity are irrelevant to military effectiveness. What matters, he said, are high performance standards for all members. In contrast, Capt. Jason Birch, a Black former Navy SEAL commander, emphasized the importance of diverse leadership, sharing personal experiences of racism and the respect his racial identity commanded abroad.
Naval Academy attorneys argue that racial diversity in military leadership reflects core American values and that diverse leadership sends a strong message to younger servicemembers. “For decades, senior military leaders have concluded that the fighting force is stronger when it is racially and otherwise diverse at all levels,” they wrote in court filings, highlighting the military’s history of internal racial strife that has, at times, risked mission readiness.
The Academy’s current admissions process considers various factors, including grades, extracurriculars, life experience, and socioeconomic status. While race is sometimes considered in a limited fashion, plaintiffs argue that it should not play a role at all. They propose admissions models that focus on socioeconomic status instead, which they claim would still achieve diversity while avoiding racial considerations. However, data shows that these models would likely increase white student representation and decrease minority enrollment.
The plaintiffs also highlighted slightly lower graduation rates among some minority groups, including African Americans. Meanwhile, Naval Academy attorneys cautioned that eliminating race from admissions could lead to repeating the mistakes of the past.
Beth Bailey, a University of Kansas history professor, testified about the military’s history of racial tension, particularly during the Vietnam War, when a lack of Black leadership threatened mission success. “I go as far as saying they didn’t have a weapon they needed,” she said.
The bench trial is expected to conclude later this week, but the outcome will almost certainly be appealed.
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