Majority of Americans Support Supreme Court Decision on College Admissions: Poll
A recent ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted using Ipsos' KnowledgePanel reveals that a majority of Americans support the recent Supreme Court ruling that restricts the use of race as a factor in college admissions. However, the survey also highlights the country's increasing polarization and perception of the court as being driven more by politics than the law.
The ruling, which sets new limits on affirmative action programs, has garnered approval from 52% of Americans, while 32% disapprove, and 16% remain undecided. The breakdown of support varies among political affiliations, with 75% of Republicans, 58% of independents, and only 26% of Democrats approving the decision.
Racial divisions are evident in the poll results, with 60% of white people and 58% of Asian people approving the limitation on the use of race in college admissions. In contrast, only 25% of Black people support the decision, and opinions among Hispanic people are split, with 40% in favor and 40% opposed.
Interestingly, despite supporting the end of affirmative action, a majority of Americans (67%) still believe that white and Asian students have a fairer chance of admission compared to their Black and Hispanic counterparts. Only 47% believe Black students have a fair chance, and the number drops to 50% for Hispanic students.
The poll also reveals that 53% of Americans believe the Supreme Court's rulings are influenced by partisan political views rather than strictly adhering to the law. This perception is particularly strong among Democrats (76%) and independents (51%), while 36% of Republicans believe the court makes rulings based on their political views. These figures have shifted from a previous poll in January 2022.
In addition to the ruling on race in college admissions, the Supreme Court also struck down President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness program. The poll shows that 45% of Americans support this decision, while 40% disapprove. Support for the ruling is strongest among Republicans (71%) and independents (49%), with only 17% of Democrats expressing support.
Despite setbacks, President Biden remains committed to providing relief to borrowers and intends to pursue debt forgiveness through the Higher Education Act. The public remains divided on these issues, reflecting the ongoing debates and challenges surrounding race, education, and the role of the Supreme Court in shaping policies and laws.