Half of Americans oppose affirmative action ahead of likely SCOTUS decisions: poll

Half of U.S. adults oppose institutions of higher education considering the racial backgrounds of applicants when admitting students, a recent survey shows.

Fifty percent of respondents to a Pew Research Center survey indicated opposition to the practice, though that sentiment varies dramatically by race and political affiliation. A further 33% supported affirmative action while 16% remained unsure.

Fifty-seven percent of white respondents and 52% of Asian respondents opposed affirmative action while 39% of Hispanics and 29% of black Americans did so.

Approximately three in four, 74%, Republicans and Republican-leaning independents opposed the practice, while a majority, 54%, of Democrats and Democratic-leaning adults supported it.

The results showing Americans generally disfavoring the practice comes as the Supreme Court appears poised to soon render decisions on its legality.

The court heard oral arguments in October of last year over two suits from Students for Fair Admissions challenging the admissions practices of Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.

Decisions in both cases are expected to come in June, The Hill reported.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.