Naval Academy Defends Race-Conscious Admissions in Landmark Trial

Federal court hears arguments challenging military academy's affirmative action policies following Supreme Court ruling.

The trial, initiated by Students for Fair Admissions, aims to end the Naval Academy's race-based admissions policies.
The Supreme Court's 2023 decision banned affirmative action in most colleges but left an exception for military academies.
Plaintiffs argue that the Naval Academy's policies violate the Fifth Amendment's equal protection clause.
The Biden administration supports the use of race in admissions to ensure a diverse and effective military leadership.
Judge Richard Bennett, a George W. Bush appointee, is presiding over the nonjury trial in Baltimore.