Southland leaders expressed disappointment over the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action policies for college and university admissions. However, USC President Carol Folt assures that the decision will not impact the university’s commitment to diversity.
While the ruling will have limited effects on public universities in California due to previous ballot measures prohibiting race-based admissions, private universities like USC will be affected.
Folt, in a statement released on Thursday, described the Supreme Court ruling as “very disappointing.”
“USC has always recognized the inseparable connection between excellence and diversity,” Folt stated. “We educate innovative and thoughtful students from around the world who become leaders in their fields. Every individual, including our students, faculty, and staff, has earned their place here and contributes to creating one of the most stimulating and creative educational communities globally.
“Our commitment to building a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive campus for talented individuals from all backgrounds will not be affected by this decision,” she added. “USC provides an exceptional learning community where different perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, ideas clash, beliefs are challenged, and innovation thrives. We will continue moving forward.”
Although the ruling will not directly impact the University of California system, UC President Dr. Michael V. Drake also expressed disappointment over the decision.
“Since the ban on considering race in admissions was enforced in California 27 years ago through Proposition 209, the University of California has adjusted its admissions practices to comply with the law while actively seeking ways to increase diverse student applications, admissions, enrollment, and retention,” Drake explained. “Through a thorough admissions review process, we have made significant progress in this area, but there is still more work to be done by all of us.
“Today’s court decision eliminates an important tool for other higher education institutions,” he continued. “Considering race was not the ultimate solution to addressing inequities in college admissions, but it was a necessary step towards tackling systemic deficiencies. Without it, we must put in much more effort to identify and address the root causes of societal inequities that hinder diverse students from pursuing and achieving higher education.”
As expected, the response from local elected officials was divided along party lines.
“Our institutions benefit when they reflect the diversity of our nation,” commented Rep. Nanette Barragán, D-Long Beach. “This ruling disregards the need for equal and equitable opportunities for students of color, undermining years of established precedent. It ignores the reality of our goal to provide equal opportunities for all.”
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the decision, stating that it overturns a long-standing precedent “without considering the consequences for society and students across the country.”
“Right-wing activists, including those in judicial robes, are attempting to return us to the era of segregated campuses and book bans,” Newsom remarked. “While the road to equal opportunity may have narrowed for millions of students, no court case can ever shatter the California Dream. Our campuses remain open to all who work hard, and our commitment to diversity, equity, and equal opportunity is stronger than ever.”
On the other hand, Rep. Michelle Steel, R-Cypress, applauded the ruling.
“I immigrated to this country from Korea at the age of 19 to pursue an education,” Steel stated. “I am living the American Dream because in this country, your success is determined by your actions, not your race or ethnicity. For 40 years, American colleges and universities have unfairly treated Asian Americans in the name of diversity. As a nation, we believe, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught, that every person should be judged ‘not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.’
“Today’s victory, thanks to the courageous young men and women who shared their experiences of racial discrimination, marks a new chapter in the fight for educational equality,” she concluded.
Assemblyman Bill Essayli, R-Riverside, hailed the ruling as “upholding the fundamental American ideal that all individuals are created equal and should not be treated differently based on their race.”
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