A federal judge recently ruled that the U.S. Naval Academy may continue considering race as a factor in its admissions process, citing the unique needs of military readiness and national security. Judge Richard Bennett, in his decision, emphasized that the academy demonstrated a “compelling national security interest” in fostering a diverse officer corps.
The ruling follows a two-week trial in September, during which the academy argued that diversity strengthens the military, enhancing its effectiveness and reputation. Judge Bennett, a George W. Bush appointee with military experience, wrote that the academy’s admissions program is narrowly tailored to achieve its goal of creating an officer corps reflective of the nation it serves. He noted that race is a minor factor in the admissions process and not a sole determinant for acceptance.
The lawsuit was filed by Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), the same group behind the Supreme Court case that struck down race-based affirmative action in college admissions last year. That decision broadly prohibited considering race in admissions but left open the possibility of exceptions for military academies due to national security concerns.
SFFA argued that the Naval Academy’s policy unfairly discriminates, pointing to members of its organization whose prior applications to the academy were rejected. However, the court also heard testimony from historians who outlined the military’s history of racial tensions and their impact on cohesion and wartime readiness. Bennett found that the academy’s approach is critical to fostering trust and effectiveness within its ranks.
Advocates for the academy, including the Legal Defense Fund, hailed the ruling.
“The military recognizes that a lack of equal opportunity can threaten mission success and endanger lives,” said Michaele Turnage Young, senior counsel for the fund.
The Naval Academy’s admissions process evaluates candidates holistically, considering grades, extracurriculars, socioeconomic status, and life experience. Race is occasionally considered in a limited manner, according to court testimony.
