TICAS Statement on the Supreme Court Decision to Strike Down Race-Conscious College Admissions

“For decades, students across the country — particularly from racially marginalized communities — have relied on federal protections to ensure equal access to a quality higher education. Unfortunately, our current system too often exacerbates racial inequities in who can earn and benefit from a degree. Today’s Supreme Court ruling to strip away the practice of race-conscious college admissions is the latest in a series of devastating setbacks in our nation’s commitment to racial equity.

“As Justice Sotomayor notes in her dissent, ‘Equal educational opportunity is a prerequisite to achieving racial equality in our nation.’ Race-conscious admissions have promoted equitable access to educational opportunity and the workforce; in contrast, research has shown that state-level prohibitions have reduced educational access, particularly for Black and Latino students.

“Today’s decision makes it as pressing as ever for policymakers and leaders of institutions and systems of higher education to affirm the value of racial diversity and its educational imperative — and to pursue all efforts within the law to advance racial equity.

“For our part, TICAS remains steadfast in our fight for a higher education system that is truly accessible and affordable for students of color across our nation.”

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