The US Supreme Court on Thursday banned the use of race and ethnicity in university admissions, overturning the decade-old practice that boosted educational opportunities for African-Americans and other minorities. The decision comes a year after the overturning of the Roe vs Wade case that guaranteed a woman’s right to have an abortion.

The court’s Conservative majority declared that race and ethnicity cannot be a factor in college admissions, forcing institutions of higher education to look for new ways to achieve diverse student bodies.

Chief Justice John Roberts observed that for too long universities have “concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned but the colour of their skin. Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice,” as reported by Associated Press.

US President Joe Biden voiced his dissent saying he “strongly, strongly” disagrees with the ruling. “They should not abandon their commitment to ensure student bodies of diverse backgrounds and experience that reflect all of America,” Biden said from the White House, adding that colleges should evaluate “adversity overcome” by candidates.