Affirmative Action/College Admissions

Adjusting to a new reality post - U.S. Supreme Court Affirmative Action Decision

The panel hosted by USC Rossier discussed the implications for U.S. college admissions. By USC Rossier Published on Link to recording

Sign the NAACP Petition - Diversity No Matter What!

EQUITABLE EDUCATION: DENIED Link to Petition

 
The Supreme Court has struck down affirmative action – a direct attack on diversity and opportunity in higher education. Quality, accessible education should not be manipulated or weaponized to further racist agendas. We must spring to action to protect fair educational opportunities for ALL, even in the absence of affirmative action. Full Text of Affirmative Action College Admissions Opinions

EMERGENCY: SCOTUS Affirmative Action NAACP Briefing call

 EMERGENCY: SCOTUS Affirmative Action Briefing call. The devastating SCOTUS decision to strike down affirmative action in college admissions was the result of a concerted effort to prevent future advancements of people of color. It undermines decades of progress and the gains that have been made by Black students and other students of color in accessing higher education.  
 
Our future depends on Black children having access to high-quality education. America can only thrive when Black America thrives, period. Join us now in calling on colleges and universities to remain unwavering in their efforts to embrace diversity, no matter what, by taking the 4 actions listed below. 
 
 
4 Actions to Take Now: 
  1. Sign our Petition Demanding Equal Opportunity in Education 
  2. Share our Petition with your network  
  3. Familiarize yourself with our attached Messaging Guide and Talking Points 
  4. Watch and share our EMERGENCY: SCOTUS Affirmative Action All Units Briefing recording
Resources: 
FAQs: 
  • What does the decision actually mean for us? 
    • The Supreme Court holds that Harvard and UNC’s admissions programs violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. It has ruled that colleges and universities can no longer take race into consideration as a specific basis for granting admission, reversing decades of precedent on affirmative action and jeopardizing hard-fought progress for Black students in classrooms.  
  • What is NAACP going to do about this major setback? Below you will find a high-level summary of some of the many actions NAACP is taking to ensure fair opportunity and access to education for Black students. 
    • Phase 1: Petition 
      • NAACP is calling on all members, partners, and friends to sign our petition calling on colleges and universities to commit to diversity.  
    • Phase 2: Pledge and Implementation
      • NAACP will work with the top 500 public and top 1,000 private colleges and universities to commit to the Diversity No Matter What pledge and implement long-term strategies that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion.
      • NAACP will work with state and local member leaders and partners to track commitment progress by employing the use of data analytics and mapping/tracking mechanisms.
    • Phase 3: Accountability 
      • NAACP will hold higher education institutions accountable through a diversity metric scoring system and continued policy/advocacy efforts on higher education. 
      • We are monitoring the attack on diversity throughout the country and compiling examples but we need your help to be “eyes and ears” in your local community. Please contact the national office at (410)-580-5777 if you hear about legislation, policy, or legal challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. 
For any questions about our work on Affirmative Action decisions and related policy advocacy, please contact Anissa Rivera, Program Manager, Office of the CSO, at [email protected]. 
NAACP Communications Affirmative Action

Affirmative (Re)Action Forum - USC Race and Equity Center

4,394 persons registered for today’s USC Race and Equity Center Affirmative (Re)Action national forum the day after the Supreme Court ruling. Thank you. Ultimately, 3,167 people from 48 states across the U.S. and nine other countries were able to attend, 97% of whom deemed the hourlong event practically useful.

I am delighted to share the Forum materials with all registrants. Here are links to the following:

In an anonymous poll at the end of today’s forum, 94% of attendees who work on college and university campuses indicated that they would personally see to it that their institutions attempt at least one of the 13 actions I recommended. My center colleagues and I thank you all in advance for fulfilling this commitment, and for everything else you will do to pursue racial equity in this post-Affirmative Action era. Take good care.

My best, Shaun
Shaun R. Harper, Ph.D.
University of Southern California
Clifford and Betty Allen Chair in Urban Leadership
University Professor, Provost Professor of Education and Business
Founder and Executive Director | USC Race and Equity Center
Forbes Contributor | Forbes Author Page

If you do not have time to watch the webinar recording, here is a summary of Dr. Harper’s recommendations.

A list of Affirmative Action/College Admissions online resources