Dean President Elmore Responds on SCOTUS Decision

Dean President Kenneth Elmore, J.D., posted the letter, below, and offered to share it with the Observer. President Elmore was also interviewed by WHDH/ Channel 7 yesterday in their coverage of the historic Affirmative Action ruling.

Today, the United States Supreme Court declared that institutions of higher education cannot use race as a factor in admissions. The legally acceptable justification for deliberately building a racially diverse community of learners and workers, where everyone benefits from a range of experience, has changed. Yet, while a legal standard may have changed, it should not deter us from addressing institutional and societal racial inequities.

Today, Massachusetts Governor Healey released a joint statement regarding the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling. I cosigned this statement:

The Healey-Driscoll Administration, along with Massachusetts institutions of higher education leaders, civil rights advocates, other elected officials, and organizations dedicated to equity issued the following statement today regarding the United States Supreme Court’s decision in two higher education admissions cases Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. President & Fellows of Harvard College, and Students for Fair Admissions Inc. v. University of North Carolina:

“Massachusetts will always be welcoming and inclusive of students of color and students historically underrepresented in higher education. Today’s Supreme Court decision overturns decades of settled law. In the Commonwealth, our values and our commitment to progress and continued representation in education remain unshakable.

We will continue to break down barriers to higher education so that all students see themselves represented in both our public and private campus communities. Massachusetts, the home of the first public school and first university, will lead the way in championing access, equity, and inclusion in education.

We want to make sure that students of color, LGBTQ+ students, first generation students, and all students historically underrepresented in higher education feel welcomed and valued at our colleges and universities. Today’s decision, while disappointing, will not change our commitment to these students. We have an imperative to make sure our schools reflect our communities. Our academic competitiveness, the future of our workforce, and our commitment to equity demand we take action.”

I remain encouraged that this decision will make me work harder to maintain and enhance Dean’s diversity and contribute to the work of building equity into societal systems and our communities. A step is discussion and learning. Last week, I convened faculty and administrators to discuss long-term campus education efforts and open discussions in the wake of this decision. The Dean College Social Justice Work Team will be in touch with opportunities we all have for deeper engagement regarding race and societal equality.

For some of us – yes, us – this decision will unleash forces and skeptical instincts that undermine others’ sense of belonging and humanity. These are the same forces and instincts that aim to intimidate and exhaust many of us with messages that we are unqualified to be in the positions and places where we work, socialize, and live. I plan to stand with the people compelled to fight for the freedom to learn, earn, and live in more perfect multiracial communities.

I am an example of how people of all races and experiences, and institutional programs and policies, like affirmative action, have provided personal and societal benefits. These efforts contributed to my personal social mobility. I have endeavored to do my part to bolster positive attitudes about race and pluralist communities in others, and, I hope, add value to society through my leadership. Although I have had many successes, throughout my career – even today – I fight against the rhetoric and subtle actions that declare that I am incompetent and do not belong. Despite the years of disrespect and racism I have encountered, the Supreme Court decision on affirmative action finds me unafraid and encouraged that higher education – we – will continue to find innovative approaches to making a better society.

Encouraged,

Kenneth Elmore, J.D.

President, Dean College