Civil Rights Group Celebrates SCOTUS Ruling, Reiterates Need for Racially Representative Schools
WASHINGTON – In a 4-3 ruling on Fisher v. University of Texas, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the University of Texas at Austin could continue to use race as one of the factors weighed in admissions decisions. In response, Judith Browne Dianis, executive director of the national office of the racial justice organization Advancement Project, released the following statement:
“With our nation facing a transformative period in racial justice, it is as critical as ever that our universities reflect the demographics of our society. All students, including students of color, deserve a voice in their respective institutions of higher learning. School communities work best when everyone has a seat at the table.
“While our country continues to bear the scars of a racist past, admissions policies that ensure diversity and inclusion remain essential to progress. Universities across the United States – including Texas’ flagship public university – practiced segregation for the majority of their existence, explicitly denying students of color equal access. As we confront new chapters of both racial tension and racial reconciliation, it is necessary that universities consider the holistic experiences of applicants – including the ways race has shaped their worldview and influenced their access to opportunities.
“Education is richest when student bodies reflect the unique makeup of our communities. Universities are strongest when scholars contribute knowledge that cannot simply be learned, but lived – through their unique cultural experiences, including those influenced by race. Admissions policies that promote diversity and inclusion are necessary, and we are pleased by the Supreme Court’s ruling to reaffirm them.”
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Advancement Project is a next generation, multi-racial civil rights organization. Rooted in the great human rights struggles for equality and justice, we exist to fulfill America’s promise of a caring, inclusive and just democracy. We use innovative tools and strategies to strengthen social movements and achieve high impact policy change.
