U.S. Supreme Court Deals Blow to Racial Equity

SALEM, Ore. - For almost 30 years, affirmative action policies have worked to address systemic racial inequities in higher education. In response to last week’s US Supreme Court decision undermining affirmative action and racial equality, Oregon’s Legislative Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) Caucus releases the following statement: 

“The US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions is a tragic setback, threatening the progress made towards equity in our institutions of higher education.

"Echoing Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, we believe that the impact of this decision cannot be overstated. Not only will this decision further entrench segregation in higher education, it threatens our nation’s shared goal of supporting representative, compassionate leaders for our unique, multicultural democracy. 

“Already, Oregon’s colleges and universities are expressing concerns over the impact of this decision on their ability to create a vibrant, diverse campus community. We share their concerns and promise to continue working alongside educators, leaders, and advocates to ensure that our state’s higher education institutions have the necessary resources and tools to connect with and support students from underserved communities. 

"Many times over, studies have shown us the link between a college degree and the promise of better economic outcomes. The opportunity to attend college must remain available to all who want it.  

“We stand with the millions of young people across the country who are wondering what the future holds. This may be a setback, but it is also a call to action for many to step up. Progress may be delayed, but it will not be stopped.”