Diversity No Matter What

Affirmative Action Fuels Diversity

Historically, we have not been able to rely on colleges, universities, and employers to enact admissions and hiring practices that embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to strike down affirmative action now is a symptom of the personally held beliefs of the members of our highest court, not an indication that these policies are no longer necessary. Quality, accessible education should not be manipulated or weaponized to further racist agendas. 

Our future depends on Black children having access to high-quality education, and for our community to have access to sound hiring opportunities. America can only thrive when Black America thrives, period.

Regardless of what the U.S. Supreme Court's opinion on affirmative action may be, we are calling on colleges and universities to remain unwavering in their efforts to embrace diversity, no matter what. Commit to using innovative strategies, consistent with the law and your missions, to increase the representation and success of historically underrepresented students and subsequently advance our position as a leading academic institution.

You can do this by:

• Eliminating racially biased entrance examinations and adopting a holistic approach that considers every aspect of an applicant's background, achievements, and potential.
• Supporting the matriculation and retention of low-income and first-generation students through outreach programs, scholarships, mentoring, and academic support services.
• Recruiting diverse faculty and staff who can serve as role models and mentors for our students while contributing to our curriculum and research.
• Creating a welcoming and supportive campus climate that values diversity, stands for equity, and advances inclusion in all aspects of academic and social life.
• Striving towards greater inclusivity by ending the utilization of legacy admissions which give advantage to children and family members of institutional alumni or donors.
• Partnering with and supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges, Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI), and other Minority Serving Institutions that have deeply rooted race-conscious missions.

Sign the pledge