Mellon Foundation

Today’s distressing decision by the US Supreme Court upends more than forty years of precedent regarding affirmative action and is a profound blow to institutions of higher education and students across the nation. The Court’s decision, despite our nation’s ongoing struggles with racial injustice and inequality, shows a deep disconnect from the prejudicial reality that many experience, and have experienced, in the sphere of higher education and beyond.

This disappointing ruling further tilts access to colleges and universities toward those who already claim many social, economic, and educational advantages. It has, for years, been broadly understood that racial diversity benefits all students and accelerates higher education’s fundamental mission to foster inquiry and expand understanding. Today’s decision will result in the incalculable loss of a vibrant student body that truly reflects the dynamism of our nation.

Despite today’s ruling, the Mellon Foundation recommits to multivocality in all forms, and continues to advance its mission: to build and support creative and critical-thinking communities, always with an orientation toward justice and equity.