Following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn affirmative action in college admissions, President Biden expressed strong disapproval, labeling the court as "not normal." This ruling, which prohibits the use of race as a factor in admissions, has sparked widespread debate and criticism from left-leaning politicians and activists. The 6-3 decision, based on the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause, effectively ends affirmative action policies employed by institutions like Harvard to promote campus diversity. Biden asserted that the court has deviated from established precedent, citing previous cases where race was considered an acceptable factor among many in admissions decisions.

However, Biden's own history reveals a contrasting stance on racial integration. During his early years as a senator, he actively opposed school desegregation efforts. This prior position drew criticism from his Democratic rivals during the 2020 presidential campaign, including Vice President Kamala Harris, who recounted her personal experience with busing as a young girl. As a freshman senator from Delaware, Biden spearheaded efforts against integrating schools, even sponsoring a bill to restrict the court's authority on busing for desegregation. Contemporary reports from outlets like NBC News and The Washington Post highlighted Biden's role in resisting integration, portraying him as a key figure in hindering these efforts. He publicly questioned the concept of historical oppression of Black individuals and advocated for a limited government role in integration.

These past views became a point of contention during the 2020 Democratic primaries, with figures like Senator Cory Booker echoing the criticism of Biden's record on race. While the White House maintains that Biden has consistently fought against segregation, his past actions and statements present a complex picture. This historical context adds another layer to the ongoing debate surrounding the Supreme Court's affirmative action decision and President Biden's response.