Today’s Supreme Court ruling on Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. University of North Carolina (UNC) and Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College to ban affirmative action in college admissions, overturns decades of equity advancement and now prohibits the consideration of race in college admissions across the country.
This awaited and unprecedented ruling will disproportionately affect Black, Latino/a, American Indian/Alaska Native and Asian American, and Pacific Islander students, who make up more than half of all students in America’s schools and have historically faced persistent educational disparities and limited access to quality educational opportunities.
The suspension of affirmative action policies will significantly impact efforts to promote diversity and equity in higher education across the country. ABC recognizes the health and success of our country depend on equal opportunities for ALL students. In a time when our democracy is under attack, this ruling restricts universities’ ability to advance racial integration and cultivate diverse leadership on college campuses.
Regardless of any court ruling, ABC’s commitment lies in supporting all students of color. We urge decision-makers to weigh the impact on these communities and actively seek solutions to ensure equal access and fairness in educational opportunities. We have an academic, moral, and economic duty to ensure everyone has an equal chance to pursue a college education.