Ohio University AAUP Chapter statement on Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina

The Ohio University AAUP chapter opposes the Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard and Students for Fair Admissions v. University of North Carolina, as it will have a deleterious effect on education and society at large, growing racial wealth gaps and resulting in unequal educational outcomes, and harming diversity, equity, and inclusion in institutions of higher learning such as Ohio University. 

The court’s decision overlooks the myriad ways in which students of underrepresented groups encounter barriers to quality education through historical wealth gaps: before they have applied to college, these students have already experienced discrimination through wealth gaps that have prevented their families from moving to expensive k-12 school districts, attending private schools, or hiring tutors to improve their children’s academic performance. Since many selective colleges also give preference to alumni and/or children of donors, they also are at a disadvantage in college admissions. Affirmative action in college admissions is an attempt to rectify these unequal benefits that have not accrued to a broad swath of college applicants. 

In keeping with the AAUP national organization’s statement, we faculty at Ohio University are committed to “protect what we value: ensuring access to higher education for all students, promoting equity in education, and fostering vibrant university campuses characterized by the freedom to learn, teach, and conduct research.” We will work to sustain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive university and community in spite of the Court’s harmful decision.