APLU Statement on U.S. Supreme Court’s Ruling in Michigan Affirmative Action Case

April 22, 2014—President Peter McPherson today released the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action.

“U.S. Supreme Court decisions are the law of the land. However, public universities have a long standing commitment to diverse campuses filled with students, faculty, and staff members from a wide array of backgrounds. Public universities will continue to work at identifying ways within the law to better serve and educate those from all backgrounds, including low-income and minority students.

“Such diversity is critical to exposing everyone in the university community to others who are different from them and whose life journey and perspectives enhance intellectual debate and discussion. Diversity also prepares students for life after school when they will work, interact, and build relationships on a daily basis with people who are different than them. A higher education provides enormous personal and societal benefits and should be an opportunity that is open and inviting to students from as many different backgrounds as possible.”