Dueling Economists
Central to the lawsuit is an internal study Harvard conducted in 2013. The plaintiffs say it shows that the college’s own researchers found evidence its application process discriminated against Asian-American applicants -- and then ignored the findings. Harvard counters that the report was “incomplete” and “preliminary” and didn’t look at whether Asian applicants were discriminated against or reach any conclusions. It notes that the percentage of Asian-Americans admitted to the school has grown by nearly a third over the past decade, to 22.7 percent.
The suit forced Harvard to surrender six years of student data, more than 97,000 pages in all. The trial will feature a pair of dueling economists who analyzed the records and came to diametrically opposite conclusions.
The plaintiffs’ expert says his modeling showed bias against Asian-Americans. Harvard’s says his counterpart ignored essential factors such as personal essays and teacher recommendations. Sixteen other economists, including former Fed chair Janet Yellen and two Nobel Laureates, filed a brief in support of Harvard, arguing the analysis used by the plaintiffs was “not based on sound statistical principles.”
‘I Earned It’
Amber Ashley James, an African-American, was in the class of 2011 and is due to graduate next year with a joint MBA from Harvard Business School and J.D. from Harvard Law School. James was at a demonstration in Harvard Square on Sunday supporting the school with a sign that read “The Spot I Have, I Earned,” while those who feel Harvard discriminates against Asian-Americans gathered in Boston.
“After just a few decades of some semblance of diversity and opportunity for students of different racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds finally being accepted to this place, Blum comes in and says ‘It’s unconstitutional, take it all away,’” said James, 28. She noted that “for hundreds of years Harvard was exclusive, white and male.”
Her verdict? “Ridiculous.”
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.