Senate Democratic Caucus Members released the following statements on the Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action in college admissions today:
Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Mamie Locke: “As expected, the SCOTUS has ended affirmative action. Be assured that those who oppose DEI will use this to continue the diatribe opposing diversity, equity and inclusion. As Ella Baker once said, ‘we who believe in freedom will not rest until it comes.”
Senator Scott Surovell“The Supreme Court is acting like a legislature and tossing out affirmative action in education, while green lighting preference for legacies, donors and other well-connected applicants. This activist court appears completely unchained by precedent.”
Senator Barbara Favola: “The Supreme Court’s rejection of affirmative action at Harvard and UNC ensures that Black and Brown people have less opportunities to be part of the power structure and to influence the power structure. This incredibly damaging decision removes the pathway to success for many Americans and ensures that White elites are not exposed to the different racial and cultural experiences that make up America. The impact of this decision widens the gap between the have and have-nots. It is not a recipe for progress or prosperity.”
Senator Ghazala Hashmi: “Today’s SCOTUS decision is not only profoundly disappointing, it is immensely destructive and disingenuous. Over the past several decades, we have come a long way in dismantling the ingrained, racist, sexist, and class-based systems that served to exclude so many from educational opportunities. Higher education in general–and our elite higher education institutions in particular–open the doors for social and economic mobility and have generational impacts. The decades-long and positive effects of Affirmative Action have been felt not only in African American and Hispanic communities but are readily visible in our rural, low-income, and diverse immigrant communities. Women, regardless of racial identity, have benefitted tremendously by an admissions process that is more inclusive and better reflective of our broader society. Once again, this particular Supreme Court, under Chief Justice Roberts, has reversed precedent, has shown itself to act with political rather than legal intent, and has betrayed the fundamental ideals of pluralistic society that embraces diversity by providing equitable opportunity for all.”
Senator Jennifer Boysko: “Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision disallowing consideration of race in college admissions is a disappointing setback. I will continue to fight for all students to have an equal opportunity to succeed. We shouldn’t pretend that our high school students applying to college have faced equal challenges. We are stronger when we give people with a variety of backgrounds the opportunity for higher education.”