Washington, D.C. (Thursday, June 29, 2023) – The U.S. Supreme Court has  struck down affirmative action in college admissions.  The justices ruled in two separate cases overturning admissions plans at Harvard and the University of North Carolina.

Experts say today’s decision will have long range implications not only for higher education.  But also for the American workplace. The 6-3 and 6-2 decisions respectfully, were led by the conservative arm of the high court.

Chief Justice John Roberts said that for too long universities have “concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills, built, or lessons learned, but the color of their skin.  Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice.”

Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in dissent that the decision actually “rolls back decades of precedent and momentous progress.”  The court’s first Black female justice, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson called the decision “truly a tragedy for us all.”

Reaction to today’s decision has been widespread from many civil rights groups and others.

Howard University released the following statement on today’s high court ruling:

Today’s Supreme Court decision to overturn affirmative action is deeply concerning. As a University dedicated to racial equity and justice, and whose faculty, students and storied alumni have advocated on the front lines to achieve equitable access for people of color, we understand the incredible challenge this decision will create for far too many individuals and communities.

The decision will not only have a devastating impact on the diversity of colleges and universities across the country, but will also decrease access to higher education for students of color everywhere. Education is still a top driver of economic success for all Americans, and this decision will have far-reaching ramifications for those seeking equity in the college admissions process and beyond.

At our core, Howard University is committed to developing scholars and professionals who drive change. At a time when we need it most, it is disheartening to know that this ruling will hinder certain students from gaining admission to institutions of higher learning and receiving a quality education that can prepare them to be change agents and contributing members of our society.

We will continue to partner with those institutions and organizations that understand the critical role affirmative action has played in ensuring equitable access to education for students of color and will closely monitor how today’s decision will impact higher education trends in the short and long term. We will also encourage others to join us in advocating for policies and legislation that safeguard a stronger future by increasing, not decreasing, educational opportunities for all.