LEADER JEFFRIES STATEMENT ON SUPREME COURT DECISION ON AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Brooklyn, NY – Today, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries released the following statement on the Supreme Court Decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina.

Today’s regressive Supreme Court decision means that for the first time in over 40 years, colleges and universities across the nation will be unable to consider racial diversity as a factor in their admissions decisions. The American people support affirmative action as a crucial part of ensuring racial justice and equity in higher education. Diversity on a college campus benefits every American and prepares all students for an increasingly diverse society and global economy. It’s also about leveling the playing field for all Americans. 

Study after study has shown that diverse student bodies produce more successful academic institutions and societal outcomes. Yet, extremists on the Supreme Court are once again more interested in jamming their right-wing ideology down the throats of the American people. 

The court has turned a blind eye to systemic racism and has failed to uphold our nation’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion. All students deserve a fair shot at going to college, regardless of their income, home town or their racial and ethnic background. House Democrats will continue to fight for racial justice and equal opportunity for every student.