Harvard Case Begins With Startling Claim: Affirmative Action Isn’t on Trial

  • Plaintiffs say diversity is fine, just not at their expense
  • Asian-Americans in “sparse states”; Harvard as safety school
Protesters demonstrate against Harvard University’s admission process in Boston on Oct. 14.Photographer: Adam Glanzman/Bloomberg
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A closely watched trial in which Harvard College stands accused of discriminating against Asian-American applicants began Monday in federal court in Boston with a startling assertion by the plaintiffs, Students for Fair Admissions -- a group that has repeatedly challenged race in the admissions process, all the way up to the Supreme Court.

This time, said their lawyer, Adam Mortara, affirmative action wasn’t on trial.