The U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling against the use of race as a factor in college admissions has ignited a heated debate on the merits of affirmative action and its impact on different racial groups. Ending affirmative action: In a 6-3 decision on Thursday, the Court declared that such policies of Harvard College and the University of North Carolina violated the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause. The decision, which is expected to impact campuses nationwide, prompted both celebration and criticism from various sectors.