This morning the U.S. Supreme Court released an opinion that strikes down the use of race in university admissions - often known as "affirmative action." To read about that, click here.
We reached out to officials at UL to see if there would be an impact locally, but they say race is not a factor in how students are admitted to the university, so there won't be any effect.
Here's a statement from the UL System's president and CEO, Dr. Jim Henderson:
"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."
The Southern Poverty Law Center has condemned the decision, which they say overturns nearly 50 years of legal precedent allowing colleges and universities to consider race among other factors in admissions decisions.
“Racial equity and diversity in higher education is a national imperative,” said Margaret Huang, president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center and SPLC Action Fund. “Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision overturns decades of legal precedent and erodes meaningful progress toward inclusion and equal opportunity on college and university campuses across the nation.
“Historically, communities of color have been held back from educational opportunities because of racial discrimination. Race-conscious affirmative action practices help address systemic barriers and create crucial pathways for Black and Brown people to access higher education.
“This is an attempt by anti-civil rights activists to divide communities of color on this issue – and we will not let it succeed. We remain committed to working together to protect and advance decades of racial progress. Our multiracial democracy benefits when everyone has an equal opportunity to learn and thrive.”
