UI System issues statement after Supreme Court affirmative action ruling
June 29, 2023
On Thursday, the University of Illinois System released a statement advocating for diversity following the Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action. The statement was distributed to students, faculty and staff via Massmail on Thursday afternoon.
On Thursday, the United States Supreme Court made a landmark decision prohibiting the consideration of race in admissions decisions at United States colleges and universities.
The practice of affirmative action has been employed as a means of supporting traditionally disadvantaged groups in college admissions since the 1960s. This consideration has primarily benefited previously underserved Black and Latinx students in the admissions processes for many institutions of higher education.
According to the system’s statement, all three of its universities will continue to support diverse communities on their respective campuses. However, the system said they will review their policies to ensure they continue to comply with federal and state laws.
“A vibrant teaching and learning community made up of people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences is simply essential to an academically excellent education that prepares students to navigate and contribute to our global society,” the statement said.
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According to the statement, an environment that brings students together with shared values is “vital” to the system’s mission.
The system will continue to “open its doors wide to all deserving students—including those for whom opportunities may have been unfairly limited,” the statement said.
The statement was signed by System President Tim Killeen and the chancellors of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago and University of Illinois Springfield.
“In considering today’s ruling, we ask that all members of the University of Illinois System family keep in mind that our community’s diversity is both vital and cherished and that open, civil debate is at the heart of our work to ensure that all can learn, grow and flourish,” the statement concluded.
