Dear Campus Community,
As we continue to weigh the impacts of the SCOTUS decision to end the affirmative action practice which allowed race to be considered as a factor in college admissions, we have heard the need for more clarification about the effects of the decision on other programs, classes, and groups outside of admissions.
In a recent interview, President Richardson, warned against the tendency to “overinterpret” the ruling as having to stop any efforts which create a sense of belonging for marginalized communities. We would like to amplify that message across campus.
We encourage you to read the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights
Dear Colleague Letter on Race and School Programming. This letter is a guide for schools on what constitutes a lawful program to promote racially inclusive communities and clarifies the circumstances under which schools can – consistent with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 – develop curricula and programs or engage in activities that promote racially inclusive school communities.
Of particular importance is to know that the SCOTUS ruling is specific to college admissions and does not preclude us from providing affinity spaces, support, education, and resources that are tailored to marginalized racial and ethnic groups. In fact, the guidance states, in many cases, we are obligated to create these programs to address adverse impacts or hostile environments. It has always been the case that any program which receives federal funding, including student clubs and organizations, must be open to anyone. This does not mean, nor has it ever, that these groups cannot focus their time, name, resources, or activities on a specific identity or culturally relevant guiding principles.
In solidarity,
Rosalie Rodriguez
Associate Vice President, Institutional Equity & Belonging
Peony Fhagen
Associate Vice President, Institutional Equity & Belonging
Ersaleen Hope
Assistant Vice President, Institutional Equity & Belonging
