The US Departments of Education and Justice this morning released new guidance on the use of race in college admissions.
The framework sent out follows the US Supreme Court decision in Fisher v University of Texas, Austin.
Both Departments acknowledge the benefits gained from having a racially and ethnically diverse student body.
“As the Court has repeatedly recognized, a diverse student enrollment promotes cross-racial understanding and dialogue, reduces racial isolation, and helps to break down stereotypes,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said in response to the Supreme Court ruling in June. “This is critical for the future of our country because racially diverse educational environments help to prepare students to succeed in an increasingly diverse workforce and society.”
Attorney General Anthony Holder backed up Duncan’s remarks.
“The educational benefits of diversity are critically important to the future of this nation,” U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said in response to the Supreme Court ruling in June. “As the Court has repeatedly recognized, diverse student enrollment promotes understanding, helps to break down racial stereotypes, enables students to better understand people of different races, and prepares all students to succeed in, and eventually lead, an increasingly diverse workforce and society.”
You can read the guidelines here.
You can read opposing views on Fisher from AALDEF and 80-20.
