In separate court filings Wednesday, Harvard and the group suing the university for alleged discrimination against Asian-American applicants clashed over the group's status.
Students for Fair Admissions has argued the university systematically discriminates by stereotyping Asian-Americans applicants as one-dimensional, shy and quiet.
In its filing, Harvard questioned the legitimacy of the group by pointing out that none of the members pay dues.
“SFFA cannot show that it genuinely represents its members’ interests,” the filing said. “SFFA’s members have the right to elect just one of the five members of its Board of Directors.”
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Harvard had previously referred to the group as nothing more than a mailing list.
In its filing, Students for Fair Admissions responded by arguing it is a voluntary membership association.
“It has members who applied to Harvard, who were denied admission, and who are ready and able to apply to transfer if Harvard ceased its discriminatory practices,” the filing said.
The plaintiffs, however, remain anonymous.
The two parties will meet in court again in February, and a decision is expected months later.
