In Short:

Racial preferences were found in parts of the admissions process where the use of race is specifically prohibited under Federal law.

Abstract

The United States Naval Academy (USNA) has strict rules on how to conduct admissions, especially with regard to race. Using data from five admissions cycles made public through a recent admissions lawsuit, we document substantial racial preferences for all non-White groups throughout the admissions process despite these constraints. After removing applicants who are recruited athletes or coming from one of the Naval Academy’s preparatory programs, only 1 in 3 current Black admits would gain admission absent racial preferences, compared to 2 in 3 Hispanic and Asian American admits. Further, we find racial preferences in parts of the admissions process where the use of race is specifically prohibited under Federal law.

About the author

Peter Arcidiacono

Vice Dean for Faculty Affairs & Education and Professor, School of Government and Policy

Peter Arcidiacono is a labor economist best known for his work in three areas: college major choice, affirmative action in higher education, and structural estimation of dynamic discrete choice models.