CA's Public Higher Ed Leaders' Statement: SCOTUS Decision on Race in Admissions

July 5, 2023

Dear Campus Community, 

 As a follow-up from my message to you last week, I feel it is important you also see the joint letter from the systems of higher education in California regarding the Supreme Court cases Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. President and Fellows of Harvard University and SFFA v. University of North Carolina.

The joint letter states, "As leaders of California's public higher education institutions, we are disappointed by the Supreme Court's decision this week to prohibit the use of race in college admissions. The benefits of campus diversity are clear: It leads to higher quality education for all by reflecting a plurality of ideas and perspectives, and it results in increased community benefit when diverse graduates enter the workforce.

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are core values at our institutions. We will continue to support programs and practices that seek to address historical inequities and ensure that our colleges and universities are reflective of California's rich and dynamic diversity. We remain committed to creating educational opportunities for all Californians so that they can reach their full potential and so that all California communities can thrive."

I stand with California State University Interim Chancellor Jolene Koester, University of California President Michael V. Drake and California Community Colleges Chancellor Sonya Christian in lamenting the court’s rulings.

Sincerely,

Soraya M. Coley, Ph.D.
President