FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“I am deeply troubled by today’s Supreme Court ruling overturning the use of affirmative action in college admissions. This decision, and particularly the distorted view of the 14th Amendment presented by the conservative court, sets aside decades of precedent that relied on the 14th Amendment to address the inequities that are the vestiges of slavery and decades of Jim Crow laws. It is truly astonishing.
“The immediate impact of this decision will be felt on college campuses across the nation, as it is likely to significantly reduce the number of African-American, Latino, and other minority students who are admitted into the nation’s elite colleges. This is not because these students are unqualified, but simply because their wealthy, privileged white peers have had and continue to have opportunities that have been systematically denied to them.
“However, this fight is not over. We stand in solidarity with nonprofit organizations such as the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Google, and the ACLU, who have vowed to continue the fight for educational equity. We must not allow this setback to deter us from pursuing justice and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
“The importance of diversity on college campuses cannot be overstated. It enriches the educational experience, promotes cultural understanding, and prepares students for the diverse world they will encounter after graduation. Affirmative action has been a critical tool in addressing historical injustices and leveling the playing field for underrepresented communities.
“I urge all individuals and organizations who believe in equality and justice to join us in advocating for educational equity. We must continue to push for policies and practices that promote diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for all students. Our work is far from finished, and together, we can create a brighter and more equitable future for everyone.”
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Special Needs Network, Inc. (SNN) is a nonprofit grassroots organization responding to the crisis of autism and other developmental disabilities in underserved communities. We recognize the intersectionality of individuals with disabilities and that their fight for disability rights is inextricably tied to the fight for racial justice and the civil rights of all people.
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