America's best public high school tanks in rankings after implementing DEI admissions policy

A prestigious public high school frequently ranked America's best has slumped in rankings after implementing a DEI-focused admissions policy. 

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology fell to number 14 on the latest US News and World Report Rankings. 

It held the top spot for years, but dipped to third place in 2023 and saw its ranking freefall in 2024, prompting the principal Dr. Ann Bonitatibus to stand down earlier this month. 

Worried parents have said that the alarming drop is the result of an 'equity'-focused admissions policy, which prioritizes equality of outcome rather than opportunity.

The policy aims to increase the number of black and Latino children at the school by axing standard tests in favor of a review process. Critics have said it has lowered academic standards and led to a reduction in Asian-American students. 

Asra Nomani, a former Thomas Jefferson parent, had previously hailed the departure of Bonitatibus as being a 'win' for the school. 

The journalist and author has been a vocal critic of the school leadership, the decline in the school's rankings and the reduction in the number of National Merit semifinalists. 

Speaking with DailyMail.com, she said: 'The decline of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology from No. 1 to No. 14 is emblematic of the dumbing down of America by activist school boards and administrators from northern Virginia to Massachusetts, Michigan and beyond, weaponizing the once well-intended concept of ‘equity’ to destroy academic excellence, merit and the American Dream.'

Nomani, a first generation American-Indian Muslim, added: 'To restore TJ’s excellence, it’s time to move from DEI—diversity, equity and inclusion—to MEI—merit, excellence, and intelligence, restoring values of equality, fairness and achievement. 

'This is about affirming diversity while re-committing to high standards that reward hard work and intellectual ambition, so TJ—and America—can once again be a beacon of excellence. '

Srilekha Palle, whose child attends the school, told Fox News: 'What is a big deal if it falls down to 100, 1,000? 

'If you have that kind of attitude, then what are we teaching our kids? I think it is purely a reflection on leadership changes and leadership failure.'

Glenn Miller, whose son graduated from TJ two years ago, spoke with Fairfax Times and criticized the board for the change in policy. 

He said: 'It hurts the county. It hurts the reputation of the county. It hurts the county as a place that attracts people to move here.'

Miller said he was concerned that by prioritizing racial equity, they might detract from essential educational improvements. 

Dr. Andrew Hayes, president of the TJ Alumni Action Group, who advocated for a more equitable admissions process told Fox the rankings were an 'artificial measurement'. 

Hayes said: '14 is amazing. I think people who are complaining about that are spoiled or have pretty unrealistic expectations.'

Fairfax County Public Schools have also denied there being any link between the drop in rankings and the admissions policy. 

They pointed out that the school is still number one in the state of Virginia and the greater DC area. 

Thomas Jefferson's admissions policy is subject to an ongoing court battle. A federal judge initially ruled the equitable admissions policy discriminatory.

An appeals court reversed that ruling, with the Supreme Court subsequently declining to hear the case.  

Supporters of 'equitable' admissions processes say they give children more likely to be disadvantaged a fairer chance of getting a great education.

They highlight how many students who get into Thomas Jefferson have parents who can afford tutors or have the time to hothouse them.

Critics say the new policy lowers standards across the board to give an artificial impression of 'equity.'

They say equity-focused admissions are also unfair to children of all ethnicities from poorer backgrounds who have worked hard to meet TJ's formerly-rigorous standards.