A student named Mamdani reportedly identified as both Asian and African American on their college application, sparking discussion about identity, representation, and the complexities of self-reporting in admissions processes. While some see it as a reflection of multiracial lived experience, others question the implications for equity in higher education.

Editor’s Note: This story taps into bigger conversations about how race and ethnicity are categorized—especially in spaces like college admissions, where those labels can carry real weight. It’s not just about one student; it’s about how institutions (and society) handle identity when it doesn’t fit neatly into boxes. Whether you see this as progress or a loophole depends on your perspective, but either way, it’s a reminder that these systems aren’t as straightforward as they seem.