As members of the Connecticut Legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, we take pride in advocating for equality and diversity for marginalized people across Connecticut. We strongly denounce today’s decision by the United States Supreme Court to ban the use of race conscious admissions in higher education. This ruling is a setback in the ongoing fight for equal opportunities and social justice in higher education, both nationally and at the state level. By negating the importance of affirmative action, the Court has effectively weakened the pursuit of fairness and justice for all.
Affirmative action has long been a vital tool in addressing historical disadvantages and systemic inequalities vulnerable communities face. This is yet another act by the Court to undo the progress that has been made over the past 50 years to right the wrongs of the legacy of slavery, Jim Crow discrimination and legal segregation.
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action weakens the ability of institutions to ensure that the make-up of student bodies on college campuses reflect the world into which students will graduate. Their decision undermines progress toward achieving a more equitable and inclusive society. It disregards the lived experiences of marginalized communities and ignores the persistent disparities that still exist in education, employment, and other areas. Our caucus firmly believes that affirmative action is essential for breaking down barriers and fostering a society that embraces the full spectrum of human diversity. It has played a crucial role in leveling the playing field and empowering individuals who have faced systemic hurdles based on race, ethnicity, and other protected characteristics.
We must stand in solidarity against this ruling, support the implementation of inclusive policies here, and at home, and strive for a society where everyone can thrive regardless of their background. We challenge lawmakers at all levels to enact policies that mitigate the impacts of this draconian decision.
Justice Jackson captured best in her dissenting opinion: “With let-them-eat-cake obliviousness, today, the majority pulls the ripcord and announces “colorblindness for all” by legal fiat. But deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life. And having so detached itself from this country’s actual past and present experiences, the Court has now been lured into interfering with the crucial work that UNC and other institutions of higher learning are doing to solve America’s real-world problems.
