La. officials react to SCOTUS decision on affirmative action

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - Officials are releasing statements in the aftermath of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that ended affirmative action in the college admission process on Thursday, June 29.

The following is a statement from Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed:

We are not surprised by today’s ruling. Our institutions will follow the decision of the court, but I must point out that in Louisiana I know of no public postsecondary institution that is using race as a factor in admissions.
To the broader value statement let me say that we continue to see diversity as an asset. We remain committed to our Master Plan, Louisiana Prospers, which focuses on equity and opportunity for all. This work is foundational to who we are as colleges and universities in America.
Diversity in our higher education institutions goes far beyond race alone. It is important to recognize diversity is also about supporting our veterans, foster youth, parents, those with intellectual disabilities, and individuals of all backgrounds. Access to education increases social mobility, improves health outcomes, and expands our tax base. That is why this work is so critical and why we remain committed to increasing education so that Louisiana Prospers.
Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed

The following is a statement from Congressman Troy Carter:

As the Black community gathers in New Orleans on the eve of Essence Festival to celebrate Black culture and joy, the Supreme Court has issued a disgraceful decision which will make it harder for minority students to have a chance at equal admissions to our nation’s top schools. Affirmative action is a tool to help level the playing field for everyone. It’s especially egregious that only race-conscious admissions practices have been eliminated today, but other accommodations like legacy preference have been left in place.
I know firsthand the value of programs that help increase minority representation at institutions of higher learning. I am the product of an HBCU education, with a family who has attended Xavier University for generations. These schools and other programs were born out of a necessity to combat generations of discrimination that people of color in our country have faced. As we continue to increase representation in ALL career fields, universities, and colleges, every student should have equal opportunity to attend the school of their choice.
As Justice Jackson writes, ‘Deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life… No one benefits from ignorance. Although formal race-linked legal barriers are gone, race still matters to the lived experiences of all Americans in innumerable ways, and today’s ruling makes thigs worse, not better.’
Diversity is our nation’s greatest strength, and we must keep fighting for equal opportunity for everyone.
Congressman Troy Carter

The Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus released the following statement:

Unfortunately, history has shown us, and even in this present time, “We the people,” has never truly included ALL people.
Affirmative action wasn’t just about color. It was about ensuring fair and equal access in areas such as higher education for a race of people who had/have long been denied the opportunity to better themselves.
Today’s decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to reverse affirmative action for college-based admissions is not only a setback for all people of color, but it painfully dismisses the decades of work and advancements by our ancestors who fought and lost their lives to ensure equality for all.
Despite our nation’s highest court system getting it wrong, the LLBC will continue to advocate for equal and fair resources for the advancement of all minorities throughout Louisiana. We will uplift. We will prevail. We will overcome.
Chairman Vincent J. Pierre on the sentiments of LLBC members

The following is a statement from the UL System:

Our universities use objective admissions criteria based on high school gpa, grades in core curriculum, and standardized test scores. No public university in Louisiana is at a level of selectivity that results in zero sum admissions, where the admission of one student eliminates a slot for another. Here, with few limited exceptions, if you meet the objective criteria, you are admitted. ULS member institutions have among the most diverse student populations in the nation. As a result, our students graduate better prepared to live and compete in a diverse global economy. In short, our students, regardless of background, belong on our campuses. Our purpose is clear: increasing the educational level of all Louisianans is essential to economic vitality and quality of life. The intentionality of our work clearly fulfills a compelling state interest for Louisiana and our communities.
Dr. Jim Henderson, President and CEO of UL System

The following is a statement from East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor Sharon Weston Broome:

The decision by the Supreme Court to strike down affirmative action in college admissions is deeply concerning and carries ominous implications. This ruling represents a significant setback in our pursuit of equality and justice in education.
Affirmative action acknowledges the historical and ongoing disadvantages faced by underrepresented communities and aims to address systemic inequalities.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor's dissent accurately highlights that this decision rolls back decades of precedent and substantial progress. Affirmative action has been instrumental in expanding opportunities for marginalized groups, fostering diversity, and creating inclusive learning environments. By discarding this important tool, we risk regressing to a society where opportunities remain limited for those who have historically faced discrimination and exclusion.
I also echo the sentiments expressed by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the court's first Black female justice. This decision is undeniably a tragedy for all of us. It undermines the strides we have made towards a more equitable society and fails to acknowledge the persistent barriers faced by communities of color and other marginalized groups.
It is worth noting that the Supreme Court previously upheld race-conscious college admissions programs in the past two decades, including as recently as 2016. The sudden shift in stance, influenced by the appointment of three justices under the previous administration, raises concerns about the integrity and consistency of our highest court's decisions.
I firmly believe that diversity and inclusivity are indispensable for the progress of our society. It is crucial that we strive to level the playing field and establish a fair and just education system for all.
Mayor Sharon Weston Broome

The following is a statement from LSU President William F. Tate lV:

The following is a statement from Gov. John Bel Edwards:

The following is a statement from the Southern University System:

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