New York Court Dismisses Racial Bias Lawsuit Challenging NYC Gifted School Admissions

New York's highest court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by students and the group IntegrateNYC that challenged the racial makeup of admissions to the city's gifted and specialized high schools, which were alleged to discriminate against Black and Latino students. The court ruled that the plaintiffs did not sufficiently prove they were denied a "sound basic education" or that discriminatory intent was behind the admissions policies, emphasizing that educational policy matters are broadly entrusted to local control rather than judicial micromanagement. The case, which began in 2021, accused selective admissions tests and curricula of perpetuating racial disparities and funneling minority students into inferior programs. While the majority opinion held that the legal claims were insufficient, dissenting judges highlighted the systemic discrimination and racialized impact of the admissions system, calling the case a critical indictment of educational inequities. Supporters of merit-based admissions welcomed the ruling, asserting it upholds fair opportunities based on hard work and potential. This decision marks a significant judicial rebuke of efforts to use courts to enforce race-based education reforms in New York City.