For Immediate Release:  June 29, 2023
Contact: media@colorofchange.org 

Color Of Change Demands Justice For Black Applicants Beyond Affirmative Action

After the Supreme Court’s decision today in Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. University of North Carolina, Color Of Change released the following statement from Color Of Change President, Rashad Robinson:

“Today the Supreme Court’s ruling has decided that privilege will be prioritized over fairness and equality. The conservative bench’s ruling is an investment in accessibility and opportunity for white people, and a historic blow to Black representation, economic mobility for Black families, and career advancement for Black professionals. From college admissions to hiring practices, white applicants have always walked into spaces designed for their success, and affirmative action was one method to abate the imbalance of opportunity for Black applicants. Without the consideration of race in college admissions, we will see our institutions shift to being even more exclusive than they already are for the benefit of white, male, and wealthy applicants.”

“The court’s decision today is yet another attack on freedom and justice by white, billionaire, right-wing extremists, who have proven they will do anything to retain the pervasive power of privilege in American society. Conservatives are working tirelessly to make sure that our schools, our boardrooms, and our workplaces do not look like us. There is no perfect solution to the unraveling of affirmative action’s powerful precedence, however there are steps we can take to mitigate the damages ahead.”

“We call on U.S. universities, colleges and corporate employers to make bold commitments to enrolling and hiring Black applicants, and investing in retaining those applicants and students beyond the acceptance process. We also urge Congress to condemn this decision and to provide more funding for HBCUs, MSIs, vocational and trade schools, and additional wraparound services to better support enrolled students.”

“Color Of Change condemns the actions of the Court today and will continue to build and support a movement for racial justice that fights for equity in our schools, in our economy, and beyond. Despite the decision, we look boldly to ensure higher education is accessible for all.”

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