University of the District of Columbia President Ronald Mason Jr. Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Ruling Ending Affirmative Action in Higher Education Admissions

University of the District of Columbia President Ronald Mason Jr. Statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s Ruling Ending Affirmative Action in Higher Education Admissions

Firebird Community,

The University is disappointed by today’s Supreme Court ruling that overturned the affirmative action practices used in college admissions. The decision deleteriously affects minorities across this nation and impacts Black and brown students’ ability to access quality education at the higher education institutions of their choice.

Race-conscious college admissions gives a voice and a space for minority students and yields profound cultural implications across all college landscapes. Students from all races benefit from having a diverse campus where they can learn and broaden their horizons both inside and outside of the classroom.

Affirmative action–in all its forms—historically increases opportunities for minorities, who have been disenfranchised and the recipients of an inequitable system in this nation. The race-conscious college admission process is just one factor that levels the playing field and made progress in righting the wrongs of the country’s past.

We are aware of the impact this ruling will have beyond higher education, including the long-term implications on jobs and economic opportunities for minority communities.

As an HBCU and a public institution, the University of the District of Columbia will continue to advocate, teach, and empower students to realize their highest human potential. We strive for and actively work towards becoming a nation where we can have honest conversations about the importance of race and our nation’s troubled history surrounding it. Today’s ruling demonstrates that we are not there yet as a nation, and the work must continue for equitable education for all.

Sincerely,

Ronald Mason Jr.

President