GOV. PHIL MURPHY
“Sadly, this decision is yet another way in which the U.S. Supreme Court is taking our country backwards.
Systemic inequities remain stubbornly rooted in our society, yet a college degree has long offered a path to opportunity and financial success. For generations, equitable access to higher education has meant social mobility for those who come from under-resourced communities. That too has been the heart of the American Dream – that if you work hard, you can achieve your dreams. But today’s decision will make it harder for many institutions to implement admissions policies that promote equitable access to education and that result in a student body whose members can learn from each other’s diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
The Supreme Court’s extreme stance does not reflect the values of New Jersey. My Administration remains committed to advancing equity in every area of our society and will be working with our partners in higher education to determine ways to promote equitable admissions within the constraints of this ruling.”
N.J. SECRETARY OF HIGHER EDUCATION BRIAN BRIDGES
“We are collectively disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision today to overturn this landmark legal precedent, taking us backwards from greater opportunity for all during a time when our country desperately needs more student access and success. While the ruling will jeopardize the representation of underserved student populations on campuses nationwide, we are thankful New Jersey remains committed under Governor Murphy’s Administration to promoting equity and inclusion and supporting the success of students from all backgrounds and life circumstances. We equally recognize that a state is made stronger by valuing diversity in all spaces and that diversity at institutions of higher education fosters vibrant academic and social interactions that lead to positive learning outcomes. As we work with the Governor to promote equitable admissions within the constraints of this ruling, we want to assure our students most affected by this decision that our priorities for higher education will continue to focus on equity, access and affordability.”
SENATOR BOB MENENDEZ
“Striking down affirmative action in U.S. colleges and universities turns back the clock on progress, full stop. With a partisan decision to overturn more than five decades of legal precedent, six right-wing justices erected a roadblock in our nation’s painstaking march toward racial justice and inclusion. Affirmative action has allowed Americans of all races to pursue their passions and contribute to our society, and as evidenced by Justice Sotomayor in her powerful dissent — “Equal educational opportunity is a prerequisite to achieving racial equality in our Nation.” By effectively stripping away one of the most important tools we have had to achieve some measure of equal educational opportunity, this Court has undermined and eroded the American promise of equal opportunity itself.
We will never let a single, misguided decision halt our march toward a more equal and inclusive society. Diversity everywhere, from institutions of higher learning and corporate boardrooms to our justice system and the halls of power, is the source of America’s unmatched strength. This fact cannot be deterred or erased, even by some on the highest court in the land. And in the face of opposition, we will redouble our efforts to ensure that all institutions reflect the rich diversity of America.”
The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action is a devastating blow to our education system across the country. Affirmative action has been a tool to break down systemic barriers and we must continue to advance our ideals of inclusivity & opportunity for all.
SENATOR CORY BOOKER
“The Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action is a devastating blow to our education system across the country. Affirmative action has been a tool to break down systemic barriers and we must continue to advance our ideals of inclusivity & opportunity for all.”
REP. BILL PASCRELL
“Today’s decision by this right-wing Supreme Court wipes away decades of legal precedent that have had a net positive impact on America and on the lives of generations of brilliant students. Whether we like it or not, racism and bigotry remain endemic across sectors of American. Affirmative action is a small and an imperfect tool to fixing these inequities. Its abolition today will bring harm on countless bright young students who have striven so hard and will now find it yet harder still to find life success.
Once again, this partisan, unelected court is enacting by fiat far-right policies Republicans have been unable or too scared to enact at the ballot box. These judges can wave this misguided decision like a magic wand and pronounce that America is now a colorblind society. But it is not so, and they know it.”
REP. ANDY KIM
“The goal of education is to increase opportunity across our society. There is no perfect formula for fairness, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try. Affirmative Action said race is one piece of the puzzle, not the entire thing. But now we have one less tool to break down barriers for disadvantaged people. Meanwhile sky high tuition and legacy admissions continue to maintain a broken system.”
REP. BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN
“Equal access to opportunity depends on diversity in education. The attacks on affirmative action in higher education reaffirm the power of the nation’s wealthiest families while knocking the legs out from under Americans struggling to achieve the American Dream.”
REP. ROB MENENDEZ
“For decades, institutions have been able to consider diversity in the admissions process, fostering inclusive academic environments while uplifting minorities, who’ve historically been excluded from educational opportunities. This decision is wrong but the work will continue.”
REP. FRANK PALLONE
“I disagree with SCOTUS’ decision on Affirmative Action, which seriously undermines the progress we’ve made since the Civil Rights Movement. Universities should reflect the diversity of America & educational opportunities should be available to everyone, not just the privileged.”
2020 REPUBLICAN U.S. SENATE NOMINEE RIK MEHTA
“Today marks an historical day for race relations in our country. In the name of ‘social justice’, modern institutions have subverted one race under another, denigrated the hard work achieved by our civil rights leaders of the past and stalled our movement towards a race-neutral country; leaders, like Martin Luther King Jr, who fought for our children not to be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. Today’s ruling puts our country one foot forward towards realizing a dream where laws that discriminate against race and color will no longer be tolerated.”
STATE SENATE MAJORITY LEADER TERESA RUIZ
“Born out of a recognition that historical inequities continue to plague society, affirmative action emerged as a remedy for the deep-rooted biases that hindered the progress of marginalized communities in this nation. Its purpose was not to perpetuate division, but to rectify the injustices of the past and dismantle deeply ingrained barriers, that challenged the status quo and paved the way towards a future where everyone has an equal chance to thrive. Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is profoundly disappointing and reminds us that the pursuit of equality is a complex struggle, requiring ongoing reflection and recalibration. I agree with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s statement in her dissent, ‘If the colleges of this country are required to ignore a thing that matters, it will not just go away. It will take longer for racism to leave us. And, ultimately, ignoring race just makes it matter more.’ We have a collective responsibility to confront systematic barriers and empower those who have been marginalized. Despite this blow, I am hopeful colleges and universities around the country may find a way to continue to consider the whole student they are admitting. Our students are much more than GPAs and standardized test scores and they deserve to be considered for the individual they are and the rich diverse perspectives and lived experiences that they bring to the table.”
STATE SEN. SHIRLEY TURNER
“Inequality is rampant throughout our country and in our education system and adversely affects our lives as early as birth in the quality of infant care received. With today’s ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has jeopardized the futures of all of our students across the country and threatens to undo the progress we have made in our fight for racial justice.
Although our colleges recognize the importance of having diverse campuses and the value that diversity brings to their education programs, this ruling will make it more difficult to continue that approach. Diversity is an integral part of our students’ education and prepares them to enter a multicultural society.
Though disappointing, this step back will only propel us forward. The country has witnessed a major blow to our higher education system today. However, I am optimistic that my colleagues and I will continue to work to promote diversity and accessibility within our education system.”
KEAN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT/FORMER N.J. SECRETARY OF EDUCATION LAMONT REPOLLET
“At Kean University, one of our single greatest strengths is our diversity. Kean students benefit from learning alongside peers of other races, cultures and backgrounds each and every day as they climb higher to earn their degrees.
Today I am deeply upset by the news that the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the use of race-conscious admissions policies at American universities. This critical and dangerous decision means that millions of students could be excluded from the opportunities that higher education provides and millions more will be denied access to a diverse educational environment where all voices are heard.
This decision reverses decades of progress for our nation and its young people. But rest assured, here at Kean, we will continue to be champions of equity and access to higher education for all. Kean is recognized as one of the most diverse universities in the nation, and we intend to keep it that way.”
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