Bates, Bowdoin and Colby colleges are backing two other U.S. schools that are defending their use of affirmative action for admissions.

The three Maine schools joined 30 other institutions with an amicus brief filed with the U.S. Supreme Court. They’re backing Harvard and the University of North Carolina’s practice of screening for race when admitting applicants.

According to the Bangor Daily News, the plaintiff in the case, a group called Students for Fair Admissions, argues that the practice undermines Title IX, a federal law prohibiting discrimination by schools that receive federal funding. They also cited the Equal Protection Clause in the 14 Amendment.

Lower courts have ruled in favor of the schools, but said the practice must be done in a way which promotes diversity.

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in the case during its next term, which begins in October.