Today, the U.S. Supreme Court issued rulings on two cases challenging affirmative action in higher education: Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina/Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College. The court’s conservative majority once again upended decades of jurisprudence by striking down affirmative action programs, ending the systematic consideration of race in the higher education admissions process. 

Advocates for Youth is deeply disappointed in the devastating outcome of these cases. Affirmative action programs have significantly helped Black, Indigenous, and Latinx youth, who have historically been excluded from colleges and universities, access higher education. This decision is just another blatant attempt by those with power and privilege to do whatever they can to hold on to that power. It undermines efforts to remedy systemic racism in public education and to create diverse and inclusive campuses. 

Unfortunately, these rulings are not an isolated incident. This decision is in line with a broader harmful trend at the state level, where work has been underway for years to suppress diverse perspectives and limit the educational experiences of students. We witnessed attempts to whitewash curricula, and dictate what students were allowed to read, learn, and share about their own stories — a methodical assault on the voices and narratives of students of color.

Advocates for Youth refuses to let a solitary decision define the future of our youth. We will continue to fight alongside young people to ensure that all youth have an equal opportunity to access higher education and pursue their dreams without encountering discrimination.