Supreme Court Seeks Biden Administration’s Views on Harvard Case

The U.S. Supreme Court asked the Biden administration for its views on a challenge to Harvard College’s use of race as an admissions factor, signaling interest in a case that could roll back affirmative action programs at selective universities across the country.

The justices are debating whether to review a federal appeals court decision that upheld Harvard’s policy as a legitimate way to diversify its student body. Challengers say Harvard violated federal civil rights law by intentionally discriminating against Asian-American applicants.

Race-conscious admissions are common at selective universities, though nine states, including California and Florida, have laws banning the practice ...