Voices of Resilience: Black Leaders Weigh in on the SCOTUS Ruling
Against Affirmative Action in College and University Admissions
There is a clear consensus among these Black leaders that the ruling against affirmative action raises considerable obstacles to achieving diversity and equal opportunities in education. They are promoting various responses, including activism, legal action, policy revision, and public discussion, to address the impact of this ruling. These Black leaders indicate the paramount importance of organizational and policy changes that favor Black communities, aligning with the Inland Empire Black Worker Center's mission and vision to secure Black workers' access to relevant training and family-sustaining wages. This includes equitable access to higher education, which can help break the cycle of poverty and foster upward economic mobility. These Black leaders urge redoubled efforts in advocacies for diversity, equity, and inclusion across all sectors and levels of society. Here are brief summaries of their statements:
Stacey Abrams, voting rights activist and author: stated "while this is indeed a defeat, it should serve as a beacon to ignite the fight for equal opportunities for all." She emphasizes proactive legislations and voter engagement to bring about change.
Mayor Karen Bass (Los Angeles): expressed disappointment, stating the decision may "diminish the number of Black students in higher learning institutions," stressing the need for other policies that promote equal access to quality education.
Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO): Underscored the devastating impact of the decision on communities historically denied access to higher education. They called for reinforced efforts to create fair and diverse learning environments, as well as reforms to address structural barriers that contribute to racial disparities in education.
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC): Critiqued the ruling as a setback on progress made thus far. They equated the ruling to other historical backlashes in the fight for equality, pledging to continue the fight.
Wisdom Cole, National Director of Youth & College, NAACP: Cole called the day of the ruling a "dark day", saying affirmative action has been pivotal for Black students' opportunities. He promised continued resistance and mobilization against efforts hindering progress.
Ta-Nehisi Coates, author and journalist: penned a thought-provoking piece on how this decision will curb diversity and incite a biased representation in colleges and universities. He argued that affirmative action is still essential in a system historically skewed in favor of certain demographics.
Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, a professor of sociology at Georgetown University: Voiced concern that the ruling threatens to "reverse the strides made in advancing diversity in institutions of higher learning." He suggests a broad revaluation of the educational system must be undertaken to ensure equitable access.
Jesse M. Ehrenfeld, M.D., M.P.H., President, American Medical Association: Dr. Ehrenfeld suggested the ruling undermines diversity in the physician workforce, leading to increased health inequities. He advocated for continued commitment and investment in marginalized demographics in health care education.
Senator Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States: stated, "It is a setback, undeniably. But it's also a call to action for us to work even harder for equal rights and opportunities." She urged a collective push for changes in policies and practices that can affect the course of education.
Dr. Anita Hill, law professor at Brandeis University and women's rights advocate: expressed concern over the implications of the ruling, particularly on how it will impact gender equity in addition to racial equality.
Derrick Johnson, President & CEO of NAACP: Johnson criticized the Supreme Court for supporting extremist views and undermining affirmative action, which exists to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion. He pledged to continue the fight against such rulings, holding leaders and institutions accountable.
Dr. Michael L. Lomax, President and CEO of UNCF (United Negro College Fund): stated that HBCUs and UNCF work towards providing equal opportunities, especially in higher education, for marginalized students. He expressed concern about this ruling closing doors for non-HBCU Black students and those from other marginalized backgrounds. He urged Americans to contribute to UNCF and HBCUs so more students could access college educations and secure economic mobility.
Marc Morial, CEO of the National Urban League: stated that "the denial of affirmative action can lead to a regressive effect on diversity in our educational institutions." He encouraged the exploration of other policies to ensure inclusivity and diversity.
Former President Obama: pointed out that affirmative action had created opportunities for minority students, including himself and Michelle Obama. He urged individuals to ensure opportunities for young people and invite new perspectives.
Michelle Obama, Former First Lady: She expressed heartbreak over the ruling and concern for the uncertainty facing young people. She urged for sweat and work to actualize the policies mirroring values of equity and fairness.
Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-MA): Makes a resolute call for greater diversity and inclusion from universities and the government to address structural barriers to education for Black students.
Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA): expressed her outrage, arguing the ruling was designed to reduce Black people's access to higher education and secure positions, thus promoting racial inequality.
Reverend Al Sharpton, civil rights activist and television host: emphasized that this decision "restricts equal access to education for communities of color." He is advocating for robust rallies and peaceful protests insisting on a revision of the ruling.
Bryan Stevenson, social justice activist and lawyer: stated that "the decision is disheartening but we must continue to fight and not lose hope." He urged reconsideration of the pathways to higher education for marginalized communities.
Here at the Inland Empire Black Worker Center, we echo the astute observations of our esteemed Black leaders, standing firm against any setback which threatens educational opportunities and socio-economic mobility. We heed the call from Stacey Abrams to use 'defeat as a beacon to ignite the fight for equal opportunities.' With Mayor Karen Bass, we share the disappointment and strive to promote equal access to quality education.
In alignment with Rep. Cori Bush and the Congressional Black Caucus, we recognize the profound, even devastating, impact of systemic barriers feeding into racial disparities. We join Wisdom Cole, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, and Jesse M. Ehrenfeld in emphasizing that diversity is key to a healthy, inclusive, and equitable society - in both education and the workforce.
Bearing the torch of the sentiments expressed by Vice President Kamala Harris and Dr. Michael L. Lomax, we are called to action, seeking to redress these setbacks by working towards equal rights and opportunities in every realm, particularly for our Black workers. The words of Dr. Anita Hill, Derrick Johnson, and Marc Morial provide the impetus for our focus on the importance of gender equity and the deterrence of extremism in all its forms.
We fully concur with Former President Obama and Michelle Obama affirming the necessity to translate our investments into meaningful opportunities for minority students and workers alike. Similarly, we second Reps. Pressley and Lee's calls for greater diversity and inclusivity, while grasping Reverend Al Sharpton's guidance on the need for peaceful advocacy.
In sum, along with Bryan Stevenson, we believe that although this decision is disheartening, it must fuel our collective efforts to create pathways for marginalized communities into higher education and promising careers. The fight is not over, and at the Inland Empire Black Worker Center, we stand ready to continue the struggle for a just and equitable workforce for all.