Virginia School Admissions Policy Cleared of Discrimination Charges by Appeals Court

The US appeals court upheld an admissions policy aimed at diversifying a highly selective Virginia high school, rejecting arguments that it discriminated against Asian-American students. The Fairfax County School Board adopted its policy following concerns about a lack of racial diversity at the school in Alexandria, Virginia, which ranks among the best US public high schools. The board had a legitimate interest in “expanding the array of student backgrounds," Judge Robert King wrote for the 2-1 majority.