Supreme Court Issues Ruling on Race-Based Admissions

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

A short time ago, the Supreme Court issued its decision in the cases brought by the Students for Fair Admissions Inc. against Harvard College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The decision reverses two decades of precedent permitting the use of race as a consideration in a holistic admissions process. In doing so, the Supreme Court has legally invalidated admissions policies and long-held practices that were intended to increase diversity at universities and colleges across our nation. Today’s decision is disappointing; however, in no way does it change Syracuse University’s longstanding and demonstrated commitment to being a university that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

In anticipation of today’s Supreme Court ruling, a working group of individuals representing multiple campus constituencies has been reviewing all policies and practices that might be impacted, with the goal of ensuring Syracuse University continues to be a diverse and welcoming community where all our students are well positioned to thrive and succeed. Members of this group are now thoroughly examining today’s decision to fully understand its impact and the steps that can be taken within the law to safeguard our university’s ability to recruit and enroll talented and promising students from all backgrounds, experiences and geographies, and from across the socioeconomic spectrum.

Inclusive education has been one of Syracuse University’s core values throughout our history. From promoting equal access for students of all races, ethnicities, genders and gender identities, abilities, sexual orientations, socioeconomic statuses, ages, nationalities, cultures and religions, to proudly counting among our alumni the fourth African American woman physician in the United States, to actively recruiting and supporting first-generation college students, to the University’s commitment to veterans, active-duty military and their families exemplified in the D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families, inclusion and access are and will always be core values at Syracuse. It’s part of what we mean when we talk about “Being Orange.”

A diverse and inclusive campus community is essential to the experience and development of our students. It is essential to preparing engaged global citizens. And it is essential to creating a nation that recognizes and appreciates the economic, cultural and societal contributions of diverse communities. A diverse community makes us better. Syracuse University’s commitment to these foundational values will never waver.

Sincerely,