The justices turned away a petition filed by a group of white and Asian American parents who argued the "race neutral" criteria used by BPS in 2021 to award exam school seats based on applicants' grades and ZIP codes was discriminatory.
The article from the Boston Globe discusses a Supreme Court case regarding the admissions policies of Boston's exam schools, specifically Boston Latin School, Boston Latin Academy, and the John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. The case centers on allegations that the current admissions system, which uses a combination of grades, test scores, and socioeconomic factors, discriminates against certain groups, particularly Asian American students. Critics argue that the policy, intended to promote diversity, has instead led to a decrease in Asian American enrollment. The Supreme Court is now tasked with determining whether these admissions criteria violate equal protection under the law, potentially setting a precedent for how race and socioeconomic status can be considered in public school admissions nationwide. The case has drawn significant attention from civil rights groups, educational advocates, and communities across the country, highlighting ongoing debates about equity, merit, and diversity in education.