West Point, Air Force Academy settle lawsuits challenging race-based admissions

The Department of Justice announced Monday it is settling lawsuits challenging race-based admissions at West Point and the Air Force Academy. 

Students for Fair Admissions, which won the Supreme Court ruling in 2023 banning race-based admission at universities, challenged the policies at military institutions, which were left off the high court’s decision two years ago.  

“This Department is committed to eliminating DEI practices throughout the federal government,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi, using an abbreviation for diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). “We are proud to partner with the Department of Defense to permanently end race-based admissions at West Point and the Air Force Academy — admission to these prestigious military institutions should be based exclusively on merit.” 

The deal to terminate race-based admissions ended the need to continue the lawsuit as admissions will be based “exclusively on merit.” 

“America is the land of equal opportunity, in spirit and in law,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York. “Today’s agreement ensures that our future military leaders will carry on the greatness that is born of opportunity, effort, and a level playing field.” 

The deal marks a similar agreement made to end the lawsuit against race-based admissions at the Naval Academy earlier this year.  

Students for Fair Admissions has been expanding its targets since 2023, going after the admission processes at military schools and targeting scholarships based on race or ethnicity.