Supreme Court's Rejection of Affirmative Action Widens the Divide: Dēmos Calls for Renewed Efforts to Combat Systemic Racism

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Taifa Smith Butler, President of Dēmos, a movement-oriented think tank committed to racial justice, released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court's decision to reverse affirmative action in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard University and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina. 

"The Supreme Court's decision to overturn affirmative action in college admissions is a shameful endorsement of systemic racism. Affirmative action helps to mitigate the ongoing discrimination faced by Black and brown people in education and employment. The ruling will only exacerbate existing disparities, limiting access to education and employment for historically marginalized groups. The 14th Amendment is supposed to be a shield against racism, and  now it’s being used as a sword. 

"Race-conscious admissions have been critical in addressing historical and ongoing systemic discrimination for over half a century.

Race-conscious admissions have been critical in addressing historical and ongoing systemic discrimination for over half a century

Affirmative action is an important tool among a suite of policies that are essential to beating back white supremacy. By dismantling this vital tool, the Court further perpetuates deep and structural oppression. This egregious act underscores the urgent need for comprehensive SCOTUS reform and serves as a distressing reminder of the uphill battle we face in dismantling systemic racism.   

This egregious act underscores the urgent need for comprehensive SCOTUS reform and serves as a distressing reminder of the uphill battle we face in dismantling systemic racism

"This decision bolsters the case for centering Black and brown community needs in policymaking, including policies that expand public goods, such as education from cradle to college. Our future depends on racial equity and diversity in higher education to achieve a thriving, multiracial democracy. We urge policymakers, educational institutions, and all equity champions to resist this ruling and continue to work toward meaningful equity-based solutions in our educational systems and beyond." 

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