Yesterday’s announcement from the United States Supreme Court ruling race-conscious college admissions as unconstitutional has significant implications for Black and Brown students across the nation. As an education research center committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusive opportunities for all students, we are deeply concerned about the inevitable ramifications of this decision.
Affirmative action has been a crucial policy in addressing historical inequities within higher education access for Black and Brown students especially, and enabling colleges and universities to better prepare their students for an increasingly diverse world. By considering race as one of many factors in the admissions process, colleges and universities have been able to create more diverse student bodies that reflect the true fabric of our society. This diversity not only enriches the educational experience, but also prepares students to navigate an increasingly diverse and interconnected world.
Without the tool of affirmative action in higher education, Black and Brown students, who continue to face systemic barriers to education across the country, will face even greater challenges in gaining access to higher education opportunities. Colleges and universities must remain committed to their efforts to assemble diverse student bodies.
Every student should have an equal chance to succeed, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. Affirmative action has been a vital tool in helping to level the playing field. We must now seek new strategies to continue the work of equity and justice because the risk of perpetuating and exacerbating existing inequalities is too great.
CTS remains committed to our mission of supporting equitable educational outcomes for historically underserved students, regardless of the legal landscape. We will continue our efforts to provide research, resources, and guidance to help school systems address and mitigate systemic inequities so that all students may achieve their academic goals, which includes working in partnership with policymakers, school system leaders, and communities to work towards alternative solutions that promote equal access to education. Together, we can create a future in which every student, regardless of their background, has an opportunity to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.