Florida NOW: In spite of the Majority of the U.S. Supremes, Racial Equity & Diversity In Higher Education Is A National Imperative
Posted July 17, 2023 11:30 am | 2 min read
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Columbia County Observer graphic
By
Debbie Deland
In the context of higher education, Affirmative Action refers to race-conscious admissions practices to increase student diversity in schools to enhance the educational experience for “all” students in America.
Education is a major dividing line in our society with long-term implications for income and job prospects. Without affirmative action, only the top 5% of family income will be admitted to our top schools, blatantly denying opportunities to students from low-income and marginalized communities and promoting inequality.
We need to tear down the barriers to ensure that whatever a student’s heritage or ethnicity, we will not allow the Supreme Court’s decision to curtail their freedom to be the best they can be.
American history and today in America are rife with racial discrimination. Attacks on affirmative action are another attempt to strip away the progress that communities of color have made and render educational opportunities the exclusive domain of the white and privileged.
Our K-12 school system remains largely segregated and inequitable for students of color. Affirmative action has helped ensure talented students of color receive a fair shot. Contrary to 45 years of precedent, the Court's regressive ruling removes one of the most vital tools colleges and universities have to achieve diversity.
The Florida National Organization for Women joins other civic-minded groups to fight this regression.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are critical in our schools for America’s future success. Racial injustice is systemic in the United States.
The Supreme Court decision shows the Supreme Court as racist and anti-diversity. By thwarting access to educational opportunities to pursue their dreams, SCOTUS has scaled back progress toward socioeconomic mobility and the promise of a better life.
Despite the abhorrent attempts of anti-civil rights extremists to divide us in their racist, homophobic, misogynist abuse of legal power, we are stronger than ever and share a commitment to racial justice and equal opportunity. We know that when everyone has access to higher education, we all benefit from the talents and potential of students from all backgrounds and build respect for everyone, a human value.
We need to tear down the barriers to ensure that whatever a student’s heritage or ethnicity, we will not allow the Supreme Court’s decision to curtail their freedom to be the best they can be.
Florida NOW Call for Action
Keep abreast of the values to which politicians subscribe and vote informed. Raise your voice at town meetings! Issue statements and post on social media. Write letters to the editor. Support efforts of colleges to offer free tuition for those from families making less than $80,000.
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Debbie Deland is president of Florida NOW. Florida NOW’s (National Organization of Women) purpose is to take action through intersectional grassroots activism to promote feminist ideals, lead societal change, eliminate discrimination, and achieve and protect the equal rights of all women and girls.