Most people believed the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision to end affirmative action would cause a big drop in Black and Hispanic enrollment at the nation’s top colleges. What actually happened is more complicated.

After Affirmative Action: Takeaways—and Puzzles—From College Admissions Data

by Meredith Kolodner and Marina Villeneuve February 12, 2026February 11, 2026

Everyone expected the end of affirmative action to reduce Black and Hispanic enrollment at top colleges. That’s not exactly how it worked out.

Support the Washington Monthly

Founded in 1969, the Washington Monthly is an independent media organization based in Washington, D.C. Our mission: To preserve democracy and champion good governance through honest journalism and thoughtful commentary.

We’re not a subsidiary of a giant media company or a mouthpiece for ideologues. We’re independent, listened to by insiders and willing to take on sacred cows—liberal and conservative.

Yes, I'll Make a Donation

Hispanic enrollment

After Affirmative Action: Takeaways—and Puzzles—From College Admissions Data

The Case for a Shadow Court

Never Forgetting 9/11 Means Learning Lessons

Can the House Clerk Lead a Midterm Coup?

Who Are the “Trump Regretters”?

Barney Frank’s Last Harsh Warning to the Left

Who Enabled Trump’s Second Act?

Europe Struggles to Respond to Russian Attacks

Never miss an article!