DETROIT – Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision to strike down affirmative action in higher education admissions decisions:

“This decision will have devastating consequences on the lives of those who have been historically excluded, undervalued, and overlooked—especially Black, brown, and Indigenous students. Race-conscious admissions practices are necessary in ensuring diversity and building a more equitable and just education system that grants every American an equal opportunity to thrive. Today’s decision overturns 45 years of precedent recognizing the compelling interest in race-conscious admissions in higher education and the truth that we all benefit from diversity in our schools.

“For far too long, these elite institutions have been steeped in white privilege and nepotism and have not truly reflected the diversity of our nation. The far-right majority’s decision will greenlight discrimination against underrepresented minorities and maintain racial inequality in our education system, which in turn perpetuates inequality throughout our society.

“Despite this unjust ruling, I urge colleges and universities to do all they can to promote diversity in admissions and recruit historically underrepresented students of color. This fight is not over, and I will continue to work to ensure higher education is accessible to everyone.”

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