In a landmark decision, the Washington Supreme Court ruled in favor of affirmative action in college admissions on February 19, 2026. The ruling comes after years of legal battles and debate over the use of race as a factor in college admissions.The case, brought before the court by a group of students who claimed they were denied admission to the University of Washington based on their race, challenged the constitutionality of the state's affirmative action policies. The students argued that the policies violated their rights to equal protection under the law.However, in a 5-4 decision, the Washington Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the state's affirmative action policies, stating that they serve a compelling state interest in promoting diversity and inclusion in higher education. The court emphasized the importance of considering race as one of many factors in the holistic review of college applications.Justice Maria Rodriguez, writing for the majority, stated, "Diversity in higher education is crucial for creating a robust learning environment that prepares students for an increasingly diverse and global society. Affirmative action is a legitimate tool for achieving this goal."The decision was met with mixed reactions from both supporters and opponents of affirmative action. Supporters hailed the ruling as a victory for diversity and equality, while opponents vowed to continue fighting against what they see as discrimination based on race.The implications of this ruling are far-reaching, not only for college admissions in Washington but also for affirmative action policies nationwide. With this decision, the Washington Supreme Court has set a precedent that could have ripple effects in other states facing similar challenges to their affirmative action policies.Overall, the ruling marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over affirmative action in the United States, and it remains to be seen how this decision will shape the future of college admissions and diversity initiatives in Washington and beyond.