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Dear John,
This week, the Supreme Court is hearing a pair of cases that could potentially end affirmative action. After abandoning precedent and stripping away the right to abortion in the last term, the conservative majority may be poised to do it again. Here’s what you need to know:
The background: For decades, universities have been allowed to consider race as one part of their admissions policies. These policies are in place to ensure more racial diversity and benefit all students by stimulating social development, bringing in varying perspectives to the classroom, and better preparing them for future career success in a diverse workforce and global economy.
The cases: The Supreme Court is hearing two cases, one from Harvard and one from the University of North Carolina, both of which are about whether race can be considered as one factor in admissions to help create a racially diverse student body, and this also helps more students of color have an opportunity to access higher education. The group bringing the lawsuits against the universities is the Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) which, in spite of its name, is not a student group. It’s actually a conservative organization that has made its mission to dismantle diversity initiatives. SFFA is claiming that affirmative action discriminates against Asian Americans, which isn’t true—race-conscious admissions benefit Asian Americans, which is why over 70% of Asian Americans support them.
NWLC’s involvement: NWLC led nearly 40 organizations on a brief to tell the Supreme Court to follow their own precedent and allow colleges to consider race as one factor in admissions. Specifically, we highlighted how allowing race as one factor in admissions makes sure women of color, and our experiences and perspectives are not excluded from colleges and universities.
How you can get involved: If you’re near Washington, D.C., join us outside the Supreme Court on Monday, Oct. 31 at 8 am, right before the Supreme Court hears oral arguments. If you can’t make it, spread the word on social media! It’s important to show up in the name of students of color and all students who will benefit from learning together in racially diverse student bodies.
In solidarity,
Kirstin Brockenborough
she/they
Creative and Digital Strategies Manager
National Women's Law Center
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