Venkataramani AS, et al. - Utilizing a quasi-experimental research design, researchers explored the connection between college affirmative action bans and health risk behaviors among underrepresented minority (Black, Hispanic, and Native American) adolescents. They compared changes in self-reported cigarette smoking and alcohol use among underrepresented minority 11th and 12th graders in states implementing college admission affirmative action bans vs among those residing in states not implementing bans using a dataset of about 35,000 high school students in the US. Among underrepresented minority 11th and 12th graders, increased self-reported cigarette smoking was seen, corresponding with the years affirmative action bans were considered, qualified, and executed. Following affirmative action bans, a statistically nonsignificant increase in alcohol consumption was also noted. Health risk behaviors were higher among underrepresented minority adolescents post-exposure to state-level college affirmative action bans. Meaningful population health consequences were noted after social policies that substituted socioeconomic opportunities.