[Ucrfacultyandstaff] Response to U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding affirmative action

[Chancellor]

Dear Campus Community,

Today the Supreme Court issued a decision addressing two cases—Students for Fair Admissions, Inc. (SFFA) v. President and Fellows of Harvard and SFFA v. University of North Carolina. While we are still digesting this ruling, we know the primary impact is that consideration of race in college admissions violates the equal protection clause. We understand that this ruling may cause concern for many members of our community.

In 1996, California voters passed Proposition 209, which amended the state constitution to read, “The State shall not discriminate against, or grant preferential treatment to, any individual or group on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin in the operation of public employment, public education, or public contracting.” Since UCR policies align with the state constitution, we expect that today’s ruling will require little change in our process or behavior, though we will be reviewing the decision closely in coming days.

However, we can be certain that diversity is and will remain a critical aspect of fulfilling our obligations and mission. As a California institution committed to academic rigor, we practice inclusive excellence to strengthen our scholarly pursuits and serve the diverse people of our state. This remains a part of our campus identity and will not change.

I fully endorse the statement issued by UC President Michael Drake, which is available here<https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/uc-statement-scotus-decision-regarding-use-race-college-admissions>.

Sincerely,

[cid:image002.png at 01D9AA72.ED5B5640]

Kim A. Wilcox
Chancellor
[cid:image003.png at 01D89DAF.8FA25DD0]

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