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The Harvard Admissions Trial Has Come To A Close For Now, But How Might It Impact Affirmative Action In College Admissions?

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In this March 7, 2017 file photo, rowers paddle down the Charles River past the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. A lawsuit alleging racial discrimination against Asian American applicants in Harvard's admissions process is heading to trial in Boston's federal court on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018. Harvard denies any discrimination, saying it considers race as one of many factors when considering applicants. (Charles Krupa/AP File)
In this March 7, 2017 file photo, rowers paddle down the Charles River past the campus of Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass. A lawsuit alleging racial discrimination against Asian American applicants in Harvard's admissions process is heading to trial in Boston's federal court on Monday, Oct. 15, 2018. Harvard denies any discrimination, saying it considers race as one of many factors when considering applicants. (Charles Krupa/AP File)

The Harvard admissions trial came to a close Friday.

For the past three weeks, a judge has heard arguments in the case in federal court. The case was brought by the group Students for Fair Admissions, which argues that Harvard discriminates against Asian-American applicants in its admissions process. Harvard denies this, saying race is just one factor it uses to create a diverse student body.

Both sides made their closing arguments Friday. U.S. District Court Judge Allison Burroughs will render judgment. Both sides say if they lose, they plan to appeal, meaning this case could end up before the Supreme Court and have broad implications for affirmative action in college and university admissions practices.

Guest

Max Larkin, WBUR Edify reporter. He tweets @jmlarkin.

This segment aired on November 2, 2018.

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