The NPR Politics Podcast SCOTUS Banned Affirmative Action — Except At Military Service Academies
Oct 9, 2023
Gene Demby and Lori Lizarraga, co-hosts of NPR's Code Switch, dive into the Supreme Court's contentious ruling against race-based affirmative action in higher education. They explore the surprising exception for military service academies, where the majority opinion deemed diversity a 'battlefield issue.' The conversation includes personal insights from Mary Tobin, a Black West Point graduate, who shares her views on the ruling's impact. The discussion highlights racial disparities in military leadership and the historical context of these policies.
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The Exception's Puzzle
- The Supreme Court's affirmative action exception for military academies raises questions.
- Conservatives typically oppose such initiatives, citing merit, making the exception puzzling.
Distinct Interests
- The Supreme Court cited "potentially distinct interests" for military academies regarding affirmative action.
- This stems from the military's history of internal racial conflict, particularly during the Vietnam War.
Camp Lejeune Incident
- The Camp Lejeune incident in 1969, a large fight between Black and white Marines, highlighted racial tensions within the military.
- Similar incidents occurred across various bases, revealing a crisis of morale and leadership.