The front lines for the fight around affirmative action has moved to military academies after the Supreme Court banned the practice at most universities in 2023.

Advocates for ending race-conscious admissions are leaning into military schools, but there are reasons to think their efforts will be challenged for a host of different reasons.

One factor is the unique role the military plays in American life, and the need for an officer corps that is reflective of the country. President-elect Trump may also be a factor.

“It's really hard to figure out what the outcome is going to be” for the new affirmative action cases “because people do treat the military differently,” said Marybeth Gasman, executive director for Rutgers University’s Center for Minority Serving Institutions.

“I think the Supreme Court is really stacked in favor of what Trump believes is necessary, and he tries to portray himself as a very pro-military person, so that could play a factor,” she added.

Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA), the group that succeeded at eliminating affirmative action in all public and private universities in 2023, has set its sights on military academies.........

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