Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on June 29 to reject affirmative action in college admission standards. The Court issued two rulings in related cases, Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard College and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina, that said affirmative action programs in college admissions processes violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. But on June 29th’s decisions oppose decades of court rulings that stated schools could use race as a factor in student admissions to counter historical racism in educational opportunities and promote a more diverse college environment.
“I am outraged that the Supreme Court has rejected a successful policy that has helped millions of Black and other minority students receive the quality education they deserve,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. “It is yet another indication of returning to a time in this country when equal opportunities were not afforded to all people. Studies have shown that minority admissions to colleges and universities increased dramatically with affirmative action and these students do just as well, if not better, than their white peers when they graduate. The court said race-related admissions standards violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution. But where was that equal protection during slavery and Jim Crow? Where is that equal protection now in housing, workforce hiring, and voting rights? Conservative justices and politicians want to pretend that our country has no racial issues. They are not connected to reality. This decision is yet another roadblock to success for Black Americans in this country. I will continue to fight for racial justice and equality for ALL Americans.”
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