Rulings Reinforce Systemic Racism Ingrained In Higher Education, Turn Their Back On Black & Latino Students
The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) Co-Executive Director condemning decisions by the Supreme Court to eliminate race as a factor in admissions at universities and strike down President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan:
“These Supreme Court rulings are a direct assault on equity and diversity, principles that historically have been absent from our nation’s higher education system. They threaten to derail decades of progress made in our fight for racial and economic justice.
“Without considering race in achieving educational diversity all but ensures student populations at campuses of elite institutions will become even less diverse, unjustly sidelining Black and Latino students from educational advancement. This isn’t just a shift in demographics; this reversal of long-standing precedent is a kiss on the cheek to white supremacy, and is a threat to the attainment of higher education for students of color.
“Furthermore, by blocking President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan, the Supreme Court is doubling-down on reinforcing a status quo that is burdening millions of Americans financially – a disproportionate amount being women of color.
“Let’s be clear: elections have consequences. The people we put in power make decisions that can profoundly shape our lives and society at large. Our fight against the far-right’s insidious agenda must be relentless, and our collective power must be felt where it counts – on the streets and at the ballot box.
“We’re fighting for a future where every student, no matter their race, nationality, age, or income level, can access the high-quality education they deserve and not be straddled by years and years of debt.
“Here in Texas, and across the nation, our movement isn’t going to stop fighting this fight – not until every person has the opportunity to learn to their fullest extent, reach success, and build a bright future they seek to make for themselves.”
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About Texas Organizing Project
TOP organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris, Bexar, and Fort Bend counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.
This statement was sent out June 30, 2023.