Durbin Statement on the Supreme Court's Decision in Fisher v. University of Texas
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement today, after the Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of the University of Texas’s admission policy. In its 7-1 ruling, the Court reaffirmed the principle that universities may consider racial and ethnic diversity as one factor among many in a narrowly tailored admissions policy.
“Today’s decision reaffirms our nation’s commitment to racial and ethnic diversity” Durbin said. “This decision also recognizes the value of diversity not only on our college campuses, but also in our workforce, our military, and our society as a whole. As both an issue of social justice and as an economic necessity, America cannot afford to turn back the clock on opportunity for all of our citizens and today—by a 7-1 margin—the Supreme Court agrees.”
Last year, Durbin was a lead signatory on a Senate amicus brief in the Fisher v. University of Texas case.
The 17 Senators urged the Supreme Court to “adhere to longstanding and settled precedent” that allows educators to consider race and ethnic diversity as one factor among many when they make admissions decisions.
The brief argued that “admissions policies aimed at promoting diversity have strengthened all aspects of our society, including our nation’s economy and democratic institutions.”
A copy of the brief is available here.
Previous Article Next Article