SCOTUS Decision On Affirmative Action ‘Regrettable’, Says Princeton U

PRINCETON, NJ — On Thursday, Princeton University President Christopher Eisgruber released a statement condemning the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action.

Calling the ruling regrettable, Eisgruber said the decision by SCOTUS was in no way unexpected.

“This morning’s opinion is unwelcome and disappointing, but it is not unexpected. Princeton has been preparing for this possibility with assistance and advice from legal counsel. While today’s decision will make our work more difficult, we will work vigorously to preserve—and, indeed, grow—the diversity of our community while fully respecting the law as announced today,” Eisgruber said in a statement.

In a 6-3 decision, SCOTUS ended race-conscious affirmative action policies that for decades increased diversity on campuses. The court held that race-conscious admissions programs at Harvard and the University of North Carolina violate the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, effectively eliminating the ability of colleges and universities to use affirmative action to achieve a racially diverse student body.

Eisgruber said affirmative action was one factor among many that universities and colleges used in a “holistic admission process.”

“Those precedents wisely recognized that colleges and universities must have some discretion to determine how best to find and attract the talent that exists in every sector of our society. Today’s decision narrows that discretion significantly,” he said.

SCOTUS overhauled the almost 40-year precedent in the Students for Fair Admissions (SFFA) v. President and Fellows of Harvard College case. More: Supreme Court Bans Affirmative Action At NJ Colleges

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson recused herself from the case, having attended Harvard herself and being on its Board of Overseers.

The ruling is expected to impact the admissions process at Princeton University which has taken affirmative action into consideration since the 1960s.

Eisgruber noted that diversity benefits learning and scholarship by “broadening the range of questions, perspectives, and experiences brought to bear on important topics” throughout the University.

“For all these reasons and more, diversity is essential to the excellence of this University and to the future of our country and the world,” Eisgruber said.

“Princeton will pursue it with energy, persistence, and a determination to succeed despite the restrictions imposed by the Supreme Court in its regrettable decision today.”

Many predominantly white colleges and universities developed affirmative action plans in the 1960s and 1970s as they struggled to attract people from historically disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. Polices were also created to promote greater inclusion of women.

According to studies, the percentage of Black and Hispanic students will decrease across campuses, while the number of Asian-American students will likely increase.

Hours after the SCOTUS decision, Gov. Phil Murphy released a statement condemning the action, saying it takes the country backward.

He said the decision will make it harder for institutions to implement admission policies that promote equitable access to education.

"The Supreme Court’s extreme stance does not reflect the values of New Jersey. My administration remains committed to advancing equity in every area of our society and will be working with our partners in higher education to determine ways to promote equitable admissions within the constraints of this ruling,” Murphy said.

Nine states — Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oklahoma and Washington — have banned race-based admissions policies at public colleges and universities.

(With reporting from Kara Seymour, Patch Staff)

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