APLU Statement on Reports the Trump Administration is Considering Pursuing Legal Action Against Institutions with Court-Sanctioned, Race-Conscious Admissions Policies

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Peter McPherson today released the following statement expressing deep concerns about reports in The New York Times and Washington Post that the U.S. Department of Justice is preparing to pursue that would undermine schools’ ability to use race-conscious admissions practices.

“While more details are needed, we are deeply concerned by news reports about the Department of Justice’s interest in exploring legal action against universities that would undermine schools’ ability to use Supreme Court-sanctioned, race-conscious admissions practices as part of a holistic process.

“In just the last 15 years, the U.S. Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that race-conscious admissions policies are constitutional – including last year in the Fisher II case. Public universities have an ironclad commitment to diversity of all kinds. Productive campus learning environments include students from every background, belief, and heritage. That diversity is absolutely essential – not just to helping students thrive while on campus, but in ensuring they have the tools to be leaders after they leave.”