UC statement on U.S. Supreme Court decision in Fisher v. University of Texas case
June 27, 2016 •
The U.S. Supreme Court decision on Thursday, June 23, upholding the use of race-conscious measures in college admissions will contribute to greater equity and participation in public higher education for all American students. While it is good news on a critical issue for the country, the decision does not directly impact the University of California. Proposition 209 provides a blanket prohibition on preferences based on race, even if there is a compelling government interest to do so and the practice is narrowly defined. Nonetheless, the university will continue to do everything possible within the constraints of state law to broaden educational opportunity and increase the diversity of the student populations at all 10 UC campuses.
In November, President Janet Napolitano and the 10 UC chancellors submitted a “friend of the court” brief in support of the University of Texas in this case. It is available here: http://universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/uc-files-amicus-brief-affirmative-action-case
